Types of turtles

Turtles are referred to the genus of reptiles, which is one of the oldest on our planet. However, the appearance of these animals has not undergone any changes since the time of the existence of dinosaurs. Apparently, nature has created a very reasonable and convenient form.

Types of turtles are classified according to the environment in which they live. For example, marine reptiles have flippers instead of legs, since practically their entire life passes in the water. Freshwater turtles are more often on land. In this regard, they have legs, but the membranes that are between the fingers, allow them to be excellent swimmers. All types of land tortoises have a powerful physique and short, less sharp claws.

The main distinguishing feature of these reptiles is their shell. Its structure, which includes several plates, allows it to grow with the animal.

All kinds of turtles are cold-blooded. The temperature of their body is directly dependent on the environment. In cold seasons, these reptiles are in a state of suspended animation, which is characterized by a slowdown of all processes in the body to a minimum. Land turtles prepare for wintering deep holes, and waterfowl - buried in mud, located at the bottom of their habitat.

These reptiles have a peculiar flattened body shape. Their jaws are deprived of teeth, but often have a horny beak. Four extremities of turtles can have claws. The skin of reptiles contains ossification.

All kinds of turtles are very phlegmatic. Reptiles grow slowly. For reproduction, they lay eggs on land, which are placed in special nests in the ground.

Turtles are divided into two main groups:

1. Besschitkovye. These reptiles have a skin skeleton consisting of uncombined individual elements. They also lack horny shields and claws. The limbs of inseminate turtles are fin-shaped. The largest and most ancient representative of this group is the leatherback tortoise. This reptile can be found in the seas, located in a hot belt.

2. Shielding. Representatives of this group have well-developed dorsal and ventral carapaces.

Shield turtles, in turn, include three groups:

- secretive, folding at the retraction of the neck in the vertical plane like the letter "S" and possessing the pelvis that has not joined with the shields;

- Flabby, which draws the neck with the help of its addition to the horizontal surface, and also have fused shields of the abdominal and dorsal parts;

- soft, the character of retraction of the neck of which coincides with the secretive ones, however, there are no corneal shields, the finitenesses of this group of reptiles have membranes for swimming.

Types of domestic turtles can include both representatives of freshwater and land reptiles. More often than not, lovers of these animals have royals, marsh, and Central Asian animals. Keep at home you can any kind of turtles, except giant.

Red-eared reptiles are greenish-colored animals that have reddish spots on their heads. These turtles refer to the species of freshwater. To create normal conditions, they need land. They feed on fish and vegetable food. This type of reptile is most popular among lovers of turtles. They are active even at relatively low temperatures. Representatives of this species grow rapidly. For five years, a small turtle turns into a large adult turtle, which will require a change in the aquaterarium.

Middle-Asian representatives of reptiles at a young age are more helpless. They grow slower than the red-eared, but in adulthood they are the same size. At low temperatures, Central Asian reptiles are very slow.

What kinds of turtles do you buy for your home aquaterarium? It will depend on your tastes and preferences.