tortoise and turtle

I think the difference is one is a water creature and one is not...I always get them confused, I must check next time I go to the zoo which is which, infact last time I put a photo up on the net I didn't put what it was because I didn't want to put the wrong thing..

Hi Darkrider, I hope this is some help to you. Although, they are both reptiles and look similar they do have different lifestyles. The tortoise - lives on land and will only go near water for drinking. If they go in water that is too deep or has a swift current they can drown. They have hard feet and claws for walking across land and digging. They are mainly herbivorous creatures eating cactus, leaves, shrubs and plants with moisture. They have a more rounded shell, allowing them to withdraw inside from attack. The turtle - lives in freshwater, oceans, ponds, etc. Their feet are webbed to help them swim and their shell is flatter on the top to help them when swimming. When they lay eggs it will be underwater or on the shore line. They are omnivorous creatures eating plants, insects and fish.