The turtle is a reptile that has changed little from prehistoric times. Its soft, vulnerable body is encased in a hard shell into which it can pull its head and limbs, should danger arrive. They differ from other reptiles, because of their shells and the fact that they have a beak instead of teeth.
Some turtles live on land while other turtles live in the sea.
Whether they live on land or in the sea, all turtles have four strong limbs, which can be used for swimming or walking. Consisting of strong stout bones, the limbs stick out to the sides of the shell, leaving a wide and short-strided track when it moves, just as its prehistoric predecessor ctylosaurs left. The turtles horny beak, which has replaced the teeth is often as sharp as a knife. Turtles cannot chew, but they can eat any kind of food by cutting it to bits with their beaks. Most turtles are omnivorous, but most land-living turtles are vegetarians, feeding on grasses, leaves, fruits, and berries.