Turtles are a symbol of longevity, slowness and wisdom. Some representatives of this group of reptiles have the longest life expectancy among all animals existing on Earth.
Instruction
1. It is considered that the most ancient primogenitors of turtles appeared on the earth approximately in the middle of the Mesozoic Era. Throughout the long history of evolution of a turtle bought all necessary devices for survival in various habitats. The firm armor and a powerful beak are reliable protection of a turtle against predators and also climatic cataclysms. Turtles, despite the external homeliness, are the most long-living animals on the planet as some representatives of this look can live up to 300 years.
2. Life expectancy of turtles varies from their kind and conditions of dwelling. It is remarkable that the majority of species of turtles live much longer in the native habitat while in bondage the term of their life is reduced significantly. The kaymanovy turtle can live more than 150 years, Seychelles turtles from 150 to 250 years, Galápagos huge turtles in the native habitat more than 200 years. The Balkan turtles, as a rule, live about 90 years though it is considered that representatives of this version are quite capable to live also up to age in 120 years. Box-shaped turtles live in the native habitat more than 100 years.
3. As a rule, only the largest species of turtles have life expectancy more than 150 years while smaller representatives have average life expectancy in 30-80 years. For example, krasnoukhy turtles depending on environmental conditions on average live from 20 to 50 years. Turtles with a large head live up to only 35-40 years. Small overland and marsh turtles seldom live longer than 30 years. The Mediterranean turtles live in the native habitat on average about 50 years, but there are data that representatives of this version can live up to 120 years. The majority of sea turtles about 80 years reckon average life expectancy.