The Turtle types are very diverse with about 356 species which live on land and in water. They are found in various sizes, some being as big as 5 feet and some as small as only 4 inches. The shell of the turtle is a bony structure with a top layer and a bottom layer which is joined on the sides. It is made up of bones and cartilage. The top layer of the turtle’s shell is known as Carapace while the bottom is known as Plastron. The Turtle classification can be done into 2 subgroups – Cryptodira, wherein the turtles retract their heads into their shells and Pleurodira, wherein the turtles fold their long necks into their shells. The turtle breeds onshore and does not lay eggs underwater.

Differences Between Turtle and Tortoise:

Most commonly, the term Turtle refers to the aquatic species which live in water. Tortoise refers to the terrestrial species which live on land.

The shell of the Tortoises is thick and heavy, while the shells of the aquatic turtles are softer and lighter. This would ensure that they swim with ease without sinking.

The turtles have limbs which are adapted to help in swimming, like webbed feet with long claws. The Tortoises have short, sturdy feet. The heavy shells of the Tortoise combined with its short feet, make its movement very slow.

Types Of Turtles In India:

The list of turtle names in India are,

1. Olive Ridley Turtle:

The Olive Ridley turtle species is the second smallest sea turtle in the world. It is the most abundant turtle species and commonly known as Pacific Ridley sea turtle. Its scientific name is Lepidochelysolivacea. This type of water turtles belong to the family Cheloniidae and is found in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. The unique characteristic of this turtle species is the mass nesting where thousands of females lay eggs on the beach together.