Turtles
Latest about Turtles
Mary River turtle: The green-haired oddball that can breathe through its butt for 72 hours
By Megan Shersby published
The Mary River turtle has adapted to life underwater after splitting from all other living turtle lineages more than 18 million years ago.
Largest freshwater turtle species doomed to extinction after last female washes up dead
By Harry Baker published
The known population of the Yangtze giant softshell turtle is now just two males. Experts said that if the female had survived, she could have "laid a hundred eggs or more a year."
Most of Florida's newly-hatched sea turtles are female. Why?
By Patrick Pester published
Almost all sea turtle hatchlings are emerging from their eggs as females on some Florida beaches. What's going on?
Can turtles really breathe through their butts?
By Harry Baker published
Some freshwater turtles engage in a process akin to butt breathing.
Ancient Transylvanian turtle survived the extinction of the dinosaurs
By Harry Baker last updated
A new study into the fossilized remains of an ancient turtle in Romania has revealed a brand-new species that managed to survive when the nonavian dinosaurs could not.
190-year-old Jonathan is the oldest tortoise ever
By Patrick Pester published
Jonathan the tortoise has become the oldest tortoise ever by reaching 190 years old. He was already the oldest living land animal.
Outside of Earth's 'shell,' SpaceX's Crew-3 reveal turtle as zero-g indicator
By Robert Z. Pearlman published
Just moments after entering Earth orbit, SpaceX Crew-3 astronaut Kayla Barron released a sparkling sea turtle to float above her head. The "zero-g indicator" showed she and her crew were weightless.
Rare conjoined turtles hatched in Massachusetts
By Yasemin Saplakoglu published
An adorable turtle hatchling that was born with two heads has dazzled its caretakers in Massachusetts — and is thriving, against all odds.
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