Home> Animals > Reptiles Submit Your Photo Slide Show No 31 Of 53 Prev    Next Riesenschildkroeten  Publish Date : 07-01-2008 Hits : 169 Rating : Not rated Turtles are reptilians of the Order Testudines (all living turtles belong to the crown group Chelonia), most of whose body is shielded by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs. The Order Testudines includes both extant (living) and extinct species, the earliest known turtles being from around 215 million years ago, making turtles one of the oldest reptile groups, and a much more ancient group than lizards and snakes. About 300 species are alive today; some are highly endangered. Like other reptiles, turtles are poikilothermic (or "cold-blooded"). Like other amniotes (reptiles, dinosaurs, birds, and mammals), they breathe air and don't lay eggs underwater, though many species live in or around water. The largest turtles are aquatic. Rate This Photo 5 - Best4321 Add Your Comment Your Name * Your Comment * Enter Validation Code * Prev    Next