Tortoise

Any member of the turtle family Testudinidae is known as a tortoise. Previously, any terrestrial turtle was called a tortoise. All testudinids have elephantine (or cylindrical) hind limbs and hind feet, with two or fewer phalanges in each digit in their forefeet and hind feet. The shell of most tortoises is high domed, with the exception of the pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri). Some species' shells have a flattened base and are nearly spherical.Tortoises are only found on land, and they can be found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. They also live on many islands, though many island populations and species have been extinct as a result of human settlement. Living tortoises are classified into at least 15 genera, with one of them, Geochelone, ranging from South America to Africa and Asia.Tortoises come in a variety of sizes, from the small padlopers (Homopus) of southern Africa with shell lengths of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) to the giant tortoises (Geochelone) of the Aldabra and Galapagos islands with shells exceeding 1 metre (3.3 feet). Tortoises can be found in a wide range of environments, from deserts to humid tropical rainforest. The majority of tortoises are vegetarians who eat leaves, flowers, and fruits; however, some tortoise species that live in moist woodland settings are more opportunistic and eat animal stuff.