Types of Baby Turtles

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By Clara Maxwell
eHow Contributing Writer

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Turtles are long-lived reptiles with attached shells. Turtles are divided into 12 biological families, with a wide range of appearance, habitat and behavior. Over 250 species exist around the world, including 50 species in North America.

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Swimming turtles

Types

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Tortoise on grass
Baby aquatic turtles live primarily in the water. Baby tortoises live primarily on land. Many turtles are semi-aquatic or semi-terrestrial, spending time in water and on land. All turtles breathe air and lay their eggs on land.

Hatching

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Tiny baby turtle
Like most reptiles, baby turtles look like tiny versions of adults. Since mother turtles leave after laying the eggs, babies must fend for themselves from the moment they hatch.

Freshwater Turtles

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Basking freshwater turtle
Some species live in fresh water ponds, slow-moving streams or swamps. Many baby pet store turtles are semi-aquatic or semi-terrestrial, including the box turtle and red-eared slider.

Sea Turtles

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Sea Turtle
Sea turtles live in the ocean, where they can swim at speeds of 20 miles per hour. Sea turtles are endangered due to over-hunting and loss of habitat.

Land Turtles

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Tortoise on the Move
Land turtles, also known as tortoises, range in size from 5 or 6 inches to the enormous 5 or 6 foot Galapagos Island tortoises.

Turtle Facts

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Tortoise eating strawberries
Many turtles are omnivores. Snapping turtles are carnivores, while Galapagos Island tortoises are herbivores. Turtles take years to reach sexual maturity. Box turtles can live to over 100 years.