Reptiles: Tortoise
Galapagos Tortoise
Geochelone elephantopus
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Geochelone
Appearance:
These species of Tortoises are very big and are around five to six feet long. These, average 600 pound, tortoises move very slowly. Their skin and shell is a dark brown/earth color. They do have four short limps with sharp claws/nails and a short neck. The length of their limbs and neck varies depending on their habitat. On the head the tortoise has two eyes and a mouth. The Galapagos Tortoise is one of the largest living tortoises in the world.
Adaptations:
Depending on their habitat, the Galapagos' neck and limbs may increase or decrease in length. In a location where food is lush and near to the ground the length may stay short. However in an area where food as in trees and is higher up the tortoise will adapt to grow longer limbs and a longer neck for reaching food.
Indian Star Tortoise
Geochelone Elegans
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Geochelone
Appearance:
Varying in size from very tiny to giant this Tortoise does not look the same. Unlike most Tortoises that have a semi-round shell the Madagascan Spider Tortoise has a shell like a mountain. Each plate on it's back has very high peaks making the creature look very scary. It is a dark brown color with mixes of green and red on it's shell.
Adaptations:
Obviously, like all turtles, this one is protected with a shield on its back in the form of a shell. The carapace as it is called is hard and blocks predators attacks as the turtle moves very slow. The tortoise also has an internal and external bone structure for a more sturdy protection.
Madagascar Spider Tortoise
Pyxis arachoides
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Pyxis
Appearance:
The Spider Turtle has a dark brown shell with a spider web like design in light brown. This tiny little turtle is about four inches long and is one of the smallest turtles in the world.
Adaptations:
During the dry period of Madagascar weather the little turtle has the ability to hide in shrubs and grass to avoid the harsh effects of the dry season. Being so small the turtle can hide just about anywhere.
