Animal World

Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles

Are tortoises and terrapins the same as turtles?

The terms “turtle,” “tortoise,” and “terrapin” are used for various members of the order Testudines (from the Latin term testudo, meaning “tortoise”). In North American usage they are all correctly called turtles. The term “tortoise” is often used for land turtles. In British usage the term “tortoise” is the inclusive term, and “turtle” is only applied to aquatic members of the order.



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