Background. Not all turtles are alike. Turtles have developed special adaptations to live in specific environments. Some turtles such as sliders, mud turtles, and soft shells have adapted to living over half their life in a freshwater environment such as ponds, lakes, or streams.They have claws and webbed toes on their feet. The claws help them climb onto muddy banks and tree branches floating in the water.ackground. Not all turtles are alike. Turtles have developed special adaptations to live in specific environments. Some turtles such as sliders, mud turtles, and soft shells have adapted to living over half their life in a freshwater environment such as ponds, lakes, or streams.