Description of species of turtles: land, freshwater, marine
Turtles have lived on our planet for over 200 million years.planet. The animal's Latin name is Testudines, which means "tile". The shell, as hard as a tile, protects the vulnerable body from external enemies. It is so strong that it can withstand pressure exceeding the weight of the turtle itself by 200 times.
An unpretentious and unobtrusive pet -turtle for kids. Photo: Getty The shell has 2 parts: the carapace (upper) and the plastron (abdominal). Representatives of the species differ significantly in appearance and weight - from tiny, weighing just over 120 g, to sea giants weighing over 900 kg. Depending on the habitat, the turtle squad is represented by:
- Sea creatures - their element is the seas and oceans.
- Terrestrial, living on land or in fresh water.
There are more than 328 species of these in nature.animals. The eyes of land representatives are lowered, and those of water ones are directed forward and upward. Turtles do not have real teeth. They are replaced by rough protuberances in the mouth, which are quite sharp in predators. The paws of freshwater representatives of the species are membranes, and those of sea ones have become real flippers. They reproduce by laying eggs, sometimes several times a year. Among turtles there are predators, vegetarians and omnivores.
Turtle for children - undemanding and loyal friend
Before you buy a turtle for your child, decide on the type: aquatic or land. Find out the following:
- How long does the species live in the terrarium or aquarium in the apartment.
- How big can a turtle grow? - Don't buy large turtles.
- Age - it is better to buy a teenager or a young adult. Babies often get sick.
You should buy an animal in the summer when it is easierChoose an active, healthy specimen. Care is simple - clean the terrarium or aquarium. Control the temperature of the habitat. Bathe land turtles in a soda solution, clean the shell of aquatic turtles. It is necessary to file the claws, in winter illuminate the reptile with a quartz lamp. Feed in moderation. Land turtles love: dandelion leaves, cabbage, apples, cucumbers, tomatoes. To replenish protein - eggs, vitamin supplements. Aquatic representatives eat meat, dried daphnia, small insects, earthworms. Babies are fed 2 times a day, adults 1 time per day. Fasting day - 1 time per week. Turtles soon begin to distinguish the owner and react to him. It is interesting to watch the pet, and the child will definitely want to know more about turtles.
Interesting Facts
Turtles are truly unusual animals:
- Their gender depends on the ambient temperature - the higher it is, the more girls will hatch from the eggs.
- In 2013, in one of the museums, where tortoiseshell eggs were kept for many years, they were hatched by healthy kids.
- The turtle is a heraldic animal that can be found on the coats of arms of many countries.
- A delicacy soup is prepared from turtle meat.
- Tortoiseshell combs and hairpins are a beautiful and expensive decoration for women's hairstyles.
Turtles only seem to be unemotional, calm creatures. They become attached to their owner and respond to his love with tender friendship.
