Turtles and turtles: basic knowledge that pet owners need to know

Testudines (scientific name: Testudines) are phylum Chordata, reptiles, and there are 341 species of turtles and turtles in 14 existing families. Their ribs have evolved into special bone and cartilage shields, called turtle shells. Turtles can usually live on land and in the water, and there are turtles that live in the sea for a long time. Turtles are long-lived animals, with records of lifespans exceeding a hundred years in the natural environment. Like most reptiles, turtles are cold-blooded animals, but due to internal metabolism, the body temperature of leatherback turtles is higher than the temperature of the surrounding water. The order Turtles includes extant and extinct species. The fossil record of the ancestors of the order Turtles can be traced back to the semi-armored turtle 220 million years ago, even earlier than snakes, lizards and crocodiles, so it is one of the oldest reptiles in the world. Many of its inhabitants are still alive today, including some critically endangered species. Since 2000, initiated by the American Tortoise Rescue Organization, May 23rd has been designated as World Tortoise Day every year.