turtle etymology

Etymology

The word "turtle" comes from the Old French word "tortue," which is derived from the Latin word "turtur," meaning "turtledove." This is likely due to the dove-like appearance of sea turtles.

Meaning

A turtle is a reptile with a shell that protects its body from predators. Turtles live in both freshwater and saltwater habitats and are found all over the world.

Origin

Turtles are one of the oldest groups of reptiles, with fossils dating back to the Triassic period (about 252 to 201 million years ago). The earliest turtles had relatively soft shells, but over time, their shells evolved to become more protective.

Additional Notes

• There are over 350 species of turtles in the world.
• Turtles vary in size from the smallest species, the bog turtle, which is only a few inches long, to the largest species, the leatherback sea turtle, which can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
• Turtles are generally slow-moving and have a long lifespan, with some species living for over 100 years.

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