TURTLE

Turtles are prehistoric group of reptiles that developed when the dinosaurs were still
living on earth. They are known as a slow-moving animal and indeed certain land turtles are
quite slow. However, some species such as sea turtles tend to move faster, even on land. The
land turtles are also known as tortoises.

Turtles can be found in most parts of the world, except in the coldest regions. They
mostly spread over from south-eastern North America to south-eastern Asia. Most turtles live
in fresh water. Other species live in salt water or on land. Turtles inhabit the oceans, lakes,
ponds, salt swamps, rivers, woodlands, and even deserts.Turtles’ sizes and appearances vary
significantly among different species. The smallest one, for examples mud turtles, may be
less than 10 cm in length and less than 0,5 kg in weight. In contrast, the Atlantic leatherback
turtle grows to a length of more than 2 m and may weigh more than 680 kg.Most turtles have
a hard shell surrounds their body, protecting their vital organs like a suit of armor. The shell is
separated into two parts, an arched upper section, called carapace, and a flat lower section,
called plastron. Most of turtle species can tuck their head, legs and tail into it for protection
from predator. However, other species don’t have such feature.

Turtles are omnivores. They eat living or dead plant and animal. They eat smaller
creatures, involving snails, insects, worms, jellyfish, clams, crayfishes, and other crustaceans.
However, many tortoises are herbivores, eat only plants.Some turtles are kept as pets by
animal lover, but people in several regions of the world also eat their meat and eggs. In
United States, for instance, certain species of turtles are harvested for sale to restaurants. This
practice makes many native species, the snapping turtles, for instance, have been drastically
reduced in numbers. Furthermore, turtle populations have decreased worldwide since their
environments have completely changed or been damaged. A few of turtle species, including
most tortoises and sea turtles, are in danger of completely in danger of extinction nowadays.

Name : Gilbert Ferdinand Alexantio

Class : 9.2
Subject : English