Turtles and terrapins

[paul m]

.... if there's any difference between the two?

Interesting discovery of the oldest know turtle to live in water - fossils found on the Isle of Skye:
BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Ancient turtle discovered on Skye

[H Dogg]

Originally Posted by paul m

.... if there's any difference between the two?

As you all know there are three similar reptiles Tortoises, Terrapins and Sea turtles they make up the Testudines.

The differences are simple.

The Tortoise species have a strongly domed carapace (Shell) no webbing between the toes and are terrestrial.

The Terrapin species have a moderately low carapace, webbing between the toes, and are semi aquatic in fresh or brackish water.

The Turtle species have a low carapace, forelimbs have evolved into a flat paddle like flipper and are marine.

[paul m]

Very succintly put, thanks.

Originally Posted by H Dogg

As you all know there are three similar reptiles Tortoises, Terrapins and Sea turtles they make up the Testudines.

The differences are simple.

The Tortoise species have a strongly domed carapace (Shell) no webbing between the toes and are terrestrial.

The Terrapin species have a moderately low carapace, webbing between the toes, and are semi aquatic in fresh or brackish water.

The Turtle species have a low carapace, forelimbs have evolved into a flat paddle like flipper and are marine.

[ozwildlife]

In Australia we don't have land tortoises or terrapins, but have two families of Freshwater Turtles. The Freshwater Turtles are also known as Freshwater Tortoises just to add some confusion.

We also have sea turtles round the coast - most of these species are found in warm oceans around the world. The only sea turtle restricted to Australian waters is the Flatback Turtle.

[goosey]

Originally Posted by ozwildlife

In Australia we don't have land tortoises or terrapins, but have two families of Freshwater Turtles. The Freshwater Turtles are also known as Freshwater Tortoises just to add some confusion.

We also have sea turtles round the coast - most of these species are found in warm oceans around the world. The only sea turtle restricted to Australian waters is the Flatback Turtle.

I was just reading the fact sheet on the link you gave for the Gouldian Finch and saw they also have one for the flatback turtle.

National Threatened Species Day - Flatback turtle - Natator depressus factsheet