“Tomayto, tomahto, potayto, potahto. Let’s call the whole thing off.” And let’s refocus on finding out the difference between turtles and tortoises. Now, these two species are very closely related. In fact, they are technically all turtles, but there is more to the story. Both are reptiles and belong to the same animal order (Testudines). But how they are structured, where they live and what they eat really show how different these two critters really are.

Habitat – Where They Live

Tortoises are land dwellers. Simply put – their body structure isn’t made for water-life. The only time they are near water is to drink and bathe.

Whereas turtles are either aquatic or semi-aquatic; meaning they live in the water or partially in the water and partially on land. This can vary with the different types of turtles.

Shell Shape

Tortoise shells are rounded, more of a dome-shaped. They are also rather heavy to help protect them from larger prey.
Turtles have a thinner-smooth shaped shell which helps aids them to get through the water easier.

Feet

Tortoise feet are stocky – flat – and some have long claws to help them navigate different land terrains.

Turtles have webbed feet (and some even have flippers). This is another physical feature that helps them get around in the water. They also have claws that they use for digging and other habits.

Diet

Tortoises are generally vegetarians – this diet is very helpful for a slow-moving land animal. They will eat grasses, various leafy plants, and flowers.

Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat meat and plants. They typically eat in the water – things like fish, snails, worms, etc.

Lifespan

Tortoises generally have a longer lifespan. The oldest tortoise in the record was almost 200 years old!

Turtles typically life 20 – 40 years in the wild. But some have been found to live over 100 years!

No matter if it is 20 years or 200 years, turtles and tortoises seem to live a pretty steady, slow-moving life. Maybe we should all take life a little slower. Learn by example and enjoy the ride!

Resources:

National Geographic: How to Tell a Turtle From a Tortoise
Britannica: What’s the Difference Between a Turtle and Tortoise?
Nashville Zoo: Turtle vs Tortoise
Diffen: Turtle vs Tortoise