<P> Tortoises ( / ˈtɔːr. təs. ɪz / ) are a family , Testudinidae , of land - dwelling reptiles in the order Testudines . Tortoises are shielded from predators by a shell . The top part of the shell is the carapace , the underside is the plastron , and the two are connected by the bridge . The carapace is fused to both the vertebrae and ribcage , and tortoises are unique among vertebrates in that the pectoral and pelvic girdles are inside the ribcage rather than outside . Tortoises can vary in size from a few centimeters to two meters . They are usually diurnal animals with tendencies to be crepuscular depending on the ambient temperatures . They are generally reclusive animals . Tortoises are the longest living land animal in the world , although the longest living species of tortoise is a matter of debate . Galápagos tortoises are noted to live over 150 years , but an Aldabra giant tortoise named Adwaita may have been the longest living at an estimated 255 years . </P>
<P> Tortoises ( / ˈtɔːr. təs. ɪz / ) are a family , Testudinidae , of land - dwelling reptiles in the order Testudines . Tortoises are shielded from predators by a shell . The top part of the shell is the carapace , the underside is the plastron , and the two are connected by the bridge . The carapace is fused to both the vertebrae and ribcage , and tortoises are unique among vertebrates in that the pectoral and pelvic girdles are inside the ribcage rather than outside . Tortoises can vary in size from a few centimeters to two meters . They are usually diurnal animals with tendencies to be crepuscular depending on the ambient temperatures . They are generally reclusive animals . Tortoises are the longest living land animal in the world , although the longest living species of tortoise is a matter of debate . Galápagos tortoises are noted to live over 150 years , but an Aldabra giant tortoise named Adwaita may have been the longest living at an estimated 255 years . </P>
how old can a tortoise live to be
how old can a tortoise live to be
Galápagos tortoises are noted to live over 150 years , but an Aldabra giant tortoise named Adwaita may have been the longest living at an estimated 255 years .
Galápagos tortoises are noted to live over 150 years , but an Aldabra giant tortoise named Adwaita may have been the longest living at an estimated 255 years .