tortoise

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tortoise Terrestrial or freshwater reptile of the order Chelonia. They live in tropical and subtropical regions, and hibernate in temperate countries. All tortoises are heavily armoured and enclosed within a high, domed, bony, box-like structure called a carapace (commonly shell). When disturbed, tortoises pull their scaly legs, head and tail into the shelter of the shell. They are slow movers, feed almost entirely on plants, and live to a great age. Length: usually to 30cm (1ft). A giant species, up to 1.9m (5ft) long, lives in the Galápagos Islands.See also turtle

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