List of difference between turtles and tortoises are given below :
| Turtle | Tortoise |
| Most turtles are primarily water-dwelling reptiles and is a part of the family Chelonia | Tortoises are land-dwelling reptiles and is a part of the family Chelonia |
| Turtles are usually omnivores | Tortoises are primarily herbivores, but some species eat smaller beings |
| Turtles have thinner, more water-dynamic shells. Turtle shells are more streamlined to aid in swimming | Tortoises have much heavier and robust shells |
| Can not hide inside the shell | Can hide inside the shell |
| The hatchlings of a turtle live in the nest for around 90 – 120 days | Immediately after birth, the hatchlings of the tortoise shift from nest to mother tortoise’s burrow |
| Turtles have long claws and webbed feet | Tortoises have short and sturdy feet with legs being bent |
| Not all turtles are Tortoises | All tortoises are turtles, as they belong to the order Testudines |
| Turtles usually have a shorter life span from 20-40 years | Tortoises usually have a long life from 80-150 years |
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