Turtles are such amazing creatures. I love them so much and they're so freaking awesome. Why? Well, here are seven reasons why turtles are the greatest.
1. They've been around for almost 220 millions years!
That's a seriously long time. They're probably one of the oldest reptiles to have roamed the Earth. Pretty amazing, isn't it?
2. They can live a really, really, REALLY long life.
There are a couple different species of turtles but it's said that there was an Indian Ocean Giant Tortoise that was captured when it was about 50 years old and lived for another 152 years. Who knows? Maybe it could have lived even longer not in captivity.
3. The shell of the turtle is made up of 60 different bones that are all connected together!
Awesome right? The top shell is called a carapase and the bottom shell is called the plastron. The bony parts of the shell are covered in plates that make it stronger.
4. Ever wonder how the turtle knows if you touch it's shell?
Well, the turtle's shells have nerve endings in it! So that's why if you touch the shell, the turtle will know that you're touching it and can hide itself for protection.
5. In Asian countries, the turtle is a symbol of longevity and wisdom.
In Korea, long time ago, people believed that turtles could predict the future and so fortune tellers would use a picture of the shell of a turtle to forecast the future. Today, pictures of turtles can be seen on monuments of famous people.
6. Sea turtles can travel hundreds of miles during migration.
They go through long durations of migration and travel 1400 miles between feeding grounds and where they nest.
7. Some turtles can go a whole year without food.
Crazy, isn't it? Imagine going a year without food. Hawksbill turtles feed off of poisonous sponges that would be harmful to other sea creatures, but not to this turtle.
Well! There you have it. The 7 reasons why turtles are one of the most awesome creatures ever. I hope you appreciate them just as much as I do. As Crush from Finding Nemo would say, "Rock on dude."
