back, and the flatter 

plastron on the belly. There are 360 living and recently extinct turtle species, including land-
dwelling tortoises and freshwater terrapins. They are found on most continents, some islands and, in the case of sea t
much of the ocean. Their closest living relatives are crocodilians and birds. Turtles are ectotherms or "cold-blooded", m
that their internal temperature varies with their direct environment. They are generally opportunistic omnivores and ma
with limited movements. Turtles lay their eggs on land; sea turtles migrate long distances to lay their eggs on a favore
Turtles have appeared in myths and folktales. Some species are widely kept as pets. Turtles have been hunted for the
and shells, and for use in traditional medicine. Many species are threatened due to habitat destruction. (Full article...)
Recently
 Geology of the Lassen volc
 Cir
 Battle of


 More featured

Did you know ...

Södermanland Runic Inscription 113

 ... that Södermanland Runic Inscription 113 (pictured) was found in 1856 when a burial mound was dug
part of new cultivation?
 ... that Luella Costales was appointed to the Hawaii House of Representatives after her predecessor pled
bribery charges?
 ... that Erratus is one of the earliest-known arthropods to show the origins of lungs and limbs?
 ... that Celia Kaye won the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer in 1965 for her starring ro
in Island of the Blue Dolphins?
 ... that an abandoned building in Cheorwon, South Korea, used to be the base of operations for the Wor
Party of North Korea?
 ... that Isachar Zacharie, podiatrist and confidant of Abraham Lincoln, helped him accept the idea of a ho
for the Jewish people?
 ... that the canoe routes through Obabika River Provincial Park are part of Temagami's 2,400-kilometre-
(1,500 mi) network of portages and waterways, many of which are traditional indigenous routes?
 ... that Craig Braun's Grammy-nominated album packaging for School's Out had to be recalled for includi
underwear that constituted a fire hazard?

 Start a ne
 Nominate a