Turtle


 * Turtles ** are reptiles of the order ** Testudines, ** characterized by a special cartilaginous shell developed from their ribsand acting as a shield. "Turtle" may refer to the order as a whole (American English) or to fresh-water and sea-dwelling testudines (British English). The order Testudines are both living and extinct species. The earliest know members of this group were discovered 157 million years ago. This makes turtles one of the oldest known reptiles, older than crocodiles and snakes.media type="youtube" key="5Yi5BXtTck0" height="360" width="640"