Turtles are diapsids of the order Testudines or Chelonii[3] characterized by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs and acting as a shield.[4] `Turtle` may refer to the order as a whole American English or to fresh-water and sea-dwelling testudines British English.[5] The order Testudines includes both extant living and extinct species. The earliest known members of this group date from 220 million years ago,[1][6] making turtles one of the oldest reptile groups and a more ancient group than snakes or crocodilians. Of the 356 known species[2] alive today, some are highly endangered.[2] Turtles are ectothermsââ¬âanimals commonly called cold-bloodedââ¬âmeaning that their internal temperature varies according to the ambient environment. However, because of their high metabolic rate, leatherback sea turtles have a body temperature that is noticeably higher than that of the surrounding water. Turtles are classified as amniotes, along with other reptiles, birds, and mammals. Like other amniotes, turtles breathe air and do not lay eggs underwater, although many species live in or around water. The study of turtles is called cheloniology, after the Greek word for turtle. It is also sometimes called testudinology, after the Latin name for turtles.
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