Turtles and tortoises are unique to all reptiles. They have an amazing defense mechanism, their shell. The shell is made of bone with scutes on the outside layer. The scutes are made up of keratin just like a human's hair and nails. When threatened turtles and tortoises will duck inside their shell for protection. Click on their picture to see their biography.
Red-Footed Tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria). These tortoises live in South America where you find them traveling along the floors of jungles. They have extra long legs so when it rains and the mud is thick, they walk on tip-toe to find their favorite foods. They eat mostly green plants and flowers and occasionally juicy fruits.
They get their name from the characteristic red-orange color on their legs and feet.
