Morphological and ecological studies of two chelonian reptiles

The present investigation aims to illustrate the morphological and ecological differences of tortoises and terrapins. Two types of chelonian reptiles were selected; the herbivorous land tortoise, Testudo graeca terrestris and the freshwater terrapin, Pseudemys scripta elegans. Testuda graeca terrestris is highly adapted to live on land since it can live for a long period without water on sand dunes and semidesert areas during warm days. It is characterized with a dome shell and stumpy legs. All tortoises are vegetarians that fed on lettuce. On the other hand, the freshwater terrapin; Pseudemys scripta elegans is known to inhabit the Mississippi valley. It is semiaquatic reptile, known as red eared terrapin, spends in fresh water as much time as it spends on land. Pseudemys scripta elegans may by kept as pet with few hazards as it may cause Salmonellasis. This species is omnivorous since they feed on fishes, frogs, flesh, snails, worms and numerous aquatic plant species.