The History of Turtles

Turtles have been around for a long time-about 200 million years, to be precise. That makes them one of the oldest reptile groups in the world. Scientists believe that turtles first appeared during the Triassic Period, and they quickly diversified into a wide range of different species. Today, there are more than 300 species of turtles living on every continent except Antarctica. Turtles are highly adaptable creatures and can be found in a variety of different habitats, from desert to forest to ocean. Although they are often associated with water, only a few turtles actually spend most of their time in the water. The rest are equally at home on land, where they can be found basking in the sun or hiding in burrows. No matter where they live, however, all turtles share some common characteristics, such as a hard shell that protects their bodies and long life spans. In fact, some turtles can live to be more than 100 years old! Thanks to their ancient origins and interesting biology, turtles have long been the subject of myths and legends. In many cultures, they are seen as symbols of wisdom and endurance. It is no wonder that these fascinating creatures have captured our imaginations for centuries. Who knows what secrets these ancient reptiles will reveal to us