AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Tortoises have club-like forelegs and ‘elephantine’ hind legs. Because tortoise are often larger and heavier, their elephantine hind legs help them move around and carry the extra weight! Turtles will have more flipper like legs, or webbed feet to make it easier to cruise through the water.

Detailed explanation-2: -Desert tortoises are a keystone species, which means they have a higher influence over their ecosystem than other species. Many other species use their burrows and benefit from having desert tortoises around, including the Gila monster, collared peccaries, roadrunners, and burrowing owls.

Detailed explanation-3: -A typical adult male tortoise measures about 24-30 inches long, and weighs in at 70-120 pounds. Female tortoises are usually 20-24 inches long and weigh 65-75 pounds. In captivity, the African Tortoise can live 80 years or more. The Red-Footed Tortoise: These tortoises are found all over South America.

Detailed explanation-4: -Physical Characteristics. Body length ranges from nine to 15 inches, and weight ranges from eight to 15 pounds, with the shell comprising 30 percent of total weight. Lifespan in the wild is typically 35 to 40 years, but in human care these tortoises can live between 50 and 80 years.