Differences Between Land Turtles & Marine Turtles

There are many types of turtles in the world. Both land turtles and marine turtles have scales, lay eggs, and are cold-blooded. Land-dwelling turtles are usually referred to as tortoises, and marine turtles are usually called sea turtles. Sea turtles live about 70 years, while land tortoises can live up to 150 years. This is just one of the many differences between land turtles and sea turtles.

  1. Appearance

    • Long, flat limbs help the sea turtle move in the water.

      Land tortoises differ significantly from sea turtles in appearance and movement. Land turtles have high-domed or tall shells with deep crevices. The shells are big and heavy. Thick, firm scales cover the turtle's head and elephant-like legs. A land tortoise can retract both its head and legs into its shell. Land tortoises can be as small as four inches long and weigh only a few ounces. Much larger than land tortoises, sea turtles can grow up to 44 inches long and weigh more than 400 pounds. Unlike those of land turtles, sea turtle shells are flatter, softer and flexible. A sea turtle cannot retract its head or legs into its shell. The legs of sea turtles are more like flat, long flippers, which allow the turtle to move easily through water.

    Ecosystem

    • Most turtles are somewhat aquatic; however, strictly land-dwelling turtles live in semi-desert or grassland areas with rough terrain or ground. Land tortoises flourish in temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but live all over the world. Sea turtles can be found in a variety of water habitats including estuaries, lagoons, bays, seas, and shallow coastal regions. Much like land turtles, sea turtles can be found worldwide in climates that are temperate and warm.

    Diet

    • Neither land nor sea turtles have teeth, but their jaws are strong and hard. Jaw shape and size are determined by the species of turtle. A turtle's diet can be determined by the shape of the jaw. Land turtles are usually omnivores, which means they will eat both meat and plants. Sea turtles can be omnivores, carnivores, or herbivores depending on their species. Young or newborn sea turtles are omnivores that will eat plants and very small water creatures. By adulthood, most sea turtles switch to a diet of vegetation only.

    Breeding

    • All land and sea turtles, except for the leatherback sea turtle, mate during the spring.

      Breeding for land turtles and sea turtles is virtually the same, the only difference being that land turtles mate on land and sea turtles mate in the water. During mating season, or spring, the male turtle mounts the female. Fertilization takes place inside the female turtle. Both land and sea turtles make a pit in a warm, sandy area for their eggs. This is the only time sea turtles ever come ashore. After the eggs are laid and the nest is covered, it takes about 60 to 90 days before the eggs hatch.