Tortoise

Tortoises are land-adapted turtles with sturdy legs, rounded feet and protective shells. Many feed mainly on grasses, leaves, flowers or other plant material, although diets vary. Their shells and body proportions differ between species from dry country, grasslands and more wooded habitats. Burrows, shade and sheltered resting places help them avoid unsuitable temperatures. Females lay eggs in soil, and young emerge with their own small shells. The name describes terrestrial turtles rather than all animals commonly called turtles.