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Gottee guy   RepticTay   Reptilefreak23  
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 #1816955


Gottee guy
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 Box turtles

why are box turtles in general(eastern,western,ornate,malaysian,chinese,etc.) considered "turtles".i know they are terrestrial and love to soak in water but wouldn’t box tortoises be more specific? most of them can’t swim underwater,they float, and can’t hold their breath for too long like most water turtles can. they don’t have feet designed for swimming and since when have water turtles been able to completely close their shells like box turtles can? they often roam on land and that’s what their feet are mostly designed for and some box "turtle" species like the western box turtles are often found far away from water sources but water turtles need water close by and will dehydrate faster.so why are they considered turtles?why not tortoises or even terrestrial turtles?
08/02/08  11:32am

 #1817169


RepticTay
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   Message To: Gottee guy   In reference to Message Id: 1816955


 Box turtles

Some box turtles actually have webbed feet...

Also, box turtles are actually considered and often labeled as Terrestrial Turtles.
Type in on google.co.uk Terrestrial Turtles, you will see Box Turtle.
08/02/08  03:57pm

 #1817403


Reptilefreak23
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   Message To: RepticTay   In reference to Message Id: 1817169


 Box turtles

and If you look at a box turtle and than at a tortoise you see HUGE differences in their fetures.
Where as if you look at a box turtle than at a turtle you will immediatly notice their similar scales and head shape.
also the scutes on the shells are VERY different than a tortoise, not only in shape and smoothness but also way more streemlined than a tortoise. Tortoises may have their marginal scutes will often flare in some areas



08/02/08  07:57pm


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