Most of a turtle's growth occurs during the animal's first 5 to 10 years. The turtle continues to grow after reaching this age, but at a much slower rate. Turtles, like other cold-blooded animals, cannot remain active in cold weather. Species that live in regions with harsh winters must hibernate. Most freshwater turtles hibernate by burrowing into the warm, muddy bottom of a pond, stream, or other body of water.
Land turtles bury themselves in soil or under rotting vegetation.
Most kinds of turtles eat both animals and plants. The organisms eaten by a turtle vary among the species. A few kinds of turtles, including green turtles and tortoises, feed almost entirely on plants. Certain freshwater species, such as map turtles and soft-shelled turtles, eat chiefly animals. Physical - A reptile of the order Chelonia, with strong, beaked, toothless jaws and, usually, an armorlike shell.