Perhaps, it is the turtles that are the animals that at least once in our lives each of us had to see. In the park by the pond, in the zoo, at home with friends, pals or relatives, or at least as a character in the old Soviet film “The Adventures of Pinocchio” or the animated film “About the Lion Cub and the Turtle”. Have you ever wondered where the tortoise lives? What does she eat? How often does it lay eggs?
Where does the turtle live? Land
Turtles, like all reptiles, by the way, are considered cold-blooded animals, and this automatically means that they themselves are not able to regulate their own body temperature. Unlike, for example, birds or mammals, which are warm-blooded, they are more susceptible to fluctuations in ambient temperature.
Consequently, their habitats are more limited. These reptiles can hardly be found in regions with low air temperature, beyond 40 ° both in the southern and northern latitudes, as well as in the highlands of any point on the globe. Why? If you look at this issue from a purely zoological point of view, then in such climatic conditions they would hardly be able to accumulate a sufficient amount of energy, get the amount of food necessary for a normal existence, and also withstand the protracted phases of cold and rest.
Secondly, the phases of the activity of animals would be so short that they would hardly be enough for the usual annual reproduction. Purely physiologically, these reptiles immediately after the end of the rest period need, first of all, to eat very well in order to accumulate the forces necessary for mating and egg development. In addition, one cannot but note the fact that energy will be needed for incubation, starting from the time of laying eggs until the birth of turtles.
Land turtles prefer the tropics or subtropics for life, by the way, which is why the largest variety of species of these animals is found in Africa. There are 24 species living on this continent alone, Asia (8 species) lags far behind, and there are only 4 of them on both American continents and also in Europe.
Where does the turtle live? Marine
As a matter of fact, even from the name it can be assumed that this creature does not live on land. That's right, the animal chose the abyss as a place to live. You must admit, a turtle swimming among colorful corals and colorful fish is a photo that very often becomes a screensaver for the desktops of our computers. And this is not surprising - yes, these animals are used to living among such beauty. Being inhabitants of salt waters, unlike their land and freshwater relatives, they can boast a large, and sometimes simply huge, body size.
Tropical waters are their usual habitat, being cold-blooded animals, they try almost never to visit cold latitudes.
Where does the turtle live? A pet
Sometimes, in the season of selling turtles, to be honest, the mood starts to spoil when I see how these animals are massively carried home from pet stores. One wants to say: “People, think. This animal is far from a toy! “He needs care, and no less than a kitten or puppy!”
Did the turtle appear at home? Then remember a few points.
- These reptiles are fed once every two or three days, otherwise they begin to suffer from increased obesity and eventually become ill.
- It is strictly forbidden to knock on the shell. Imagine if you were placed inside a bucket, and then you would start pounding on it what is strength. That's about the same thing a poor animal feels.
- The turtle seems to be an indifferent and awkward pet until you watch it and pay more attention.
- In the life of these reptiles, vision plays a huge role, even the tortoise will first choose food, relying on color and only then on smell or taste.
