Hey there! Today, we’re going to learn all about turtles with Dr. Lawrence Turtleman, who is an expert on these amazing creatures. Let’s dive in and discover some fun facts about turtles!
Did you know there are over 200 types of turtles? They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some turtles, like the eastern box turtle, have big domed shells with neat patterns. Others, like the flatback sea turtle, have flat shells.
Some turtles are enormous! The leatherback sea turtle can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh as much as a big cow. It’s the largest living reptile and can swim very deep underwater. On the other hand, the speckled padloper tortoise is tiny, only about 8 centimeters long!
What’s the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Well, a tortoise is a type of turtle that lives on land. When we say “turtle,” we usually mean the kind that spends some time in water.
To tell them apart, look at their feet! Tortoises have columnar feet, like an elephant’s, while turtles that swim have webbed feet. Sea turtles have flippers because they spend most of their lives in the water.
Tortoises can live to be very old, sometimes over 100 years! The oldest land animal right now is a tortoise named Jonathan, who might be 185 years old. That’s older than any living human!
Turtles are found all over the world, in almost every kind of weather. The giant leatherback sea turtles can even live in colder waters near the North and South poles. Turtles are tough and have been around since before the dinosaurs!
Turtles need our help to survive. Fishing, pollution, and other human activities can harm them. People are working to keep turtles safe by doing things like hanging lights from fishing nets so turtles can avoid them.
Having a turtle as a pet can be a lot of work. They can be messy, and some types grow really big, needing lots of space. Since turtles live a long time, you’ll be responsible for them for many years.
If you want a turtle at home, it’s best to adopt one from a local shelter. Wild turtles can carry diseases and might not be friendly. A turtle used to living near people will be happier and safer for you to care for.
Thanks for learning about turtles with us! If you want to keep exploring and having fun, don’t forget to check out more videos on the YouTube Kids app. See you next time!
Shell Shapes and Patterns: Go on a turtle shell hunt! Draw or print out pictures of different turtle shells, like the domed shell of the eastern box turtle and the flat shell of the flatback sea turtle. Then, using clay or playdough, try to create your own turtle shell. Think about the patterns and shapes you see. What kind of turtle would live in your shell? Share your creation with a friend or family member and explain why you chose that design.
Turtle Feet Exploration: Let’s explore the difference between turtle and tortoise feet! Find some pictures of tortoises and turtles, and look closely at their feet. Now, try walking like a tortoise with columnar feet by keeping your feet flat and slow. Then, pretend to swim like a sea turtle using your arms as flippers. Which one is easier for you? Why do you think turtles and tortoises have different types of feet?
Helping Turtles Activity: Create a “Turtle Helper” poster. Draw a picture of a turtle and write down one thing you can do to help turtles in the wild. It could be something like picking up trash at the beach or learning more about turtles to share with others. Hang your poster somewhere everyone can see it to remind your family and friends how they can help turtles too!
