Turtles

Here are some facts about turtles. I will not post about animals tomorrow.

Turtles have been on the earth for more than 200 million years. They evolved before mammals, birds, crocodiles, snakes and even lizards.

One documented case of longevity involves an adult Indian Ocean Giant Tortoise that when captured as an adult was estimated to be fifty years old. It then lived another 152 years in captivity.

The shell of a turtle is made up of 60 different bones all connected together.

Some aquatic turtles can absorb oxygen through their skin on their neck and cloacal areas allowing them to remain submerged underwater for extended periods of time and enabling them to hibernate underwater.

Some female turtles produce eggs four years after mating.

Some turtles can live up to a year without food.

Instead of teeth, turtles have a sharp beak for eating.  Depending on species, the beak may be scissor-like, hook-like, or serrated.

Some land turtles can out run a human.