Turtles are one of the coolest animals on the planet and there is no denying that. But did you know that some turtles can breathe through their butts? The Fitzroy River turtle can absorb oxygen through its cloaca while underwater, allowing them to stay submerged for long periods without coming up for air.

Down below we've put together a list of the most intriguing facts about turtles. Let's go over the abilities of one of nature's greatest gifts, and the best place to find turtle decor.

What are turtles?

Turtles are ancient reptiles that have existed for over 220 million years, predating even dinosaurs. The earliest known species, Odontochelys, had teeth and a partial shell, while Proganochelys had a fully developed shell but couldn’t retract its head.

Modern turtles are divided into aquatic, freshwater, and terrestrial species, all featuring a bony shell fused to their spine for protection. Unlike their ancestors, they have beaks instead of teeth and rely on their environment to regulate body temperature. Their ability to adapt and survive mass extinctions makes them one of Earth’s most resilient and fascinating creatures.

Why Are Turtles Different from Other Reptiles?

Turtles are unique reptiles, easily distinguishable by their hard, bony shell, long lifespan, and versatile habitat. Unlike other reptiles, turtles have a slow metabolism, reproduce by laying eggs in unique environments, and move at a much slower pace on land or in water. Their ability to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments sets them apart from many other reptiles.

•Hard, fused shell for protection, unlike flexible bodies of other reptiles.

•Reproductive patterns are unique, with turtles laying eggs on land even if they live in water.

•Unlike most reptiles, turtles can live over 100 years, thanks to their slower metabolism.

Origin of The Name 'Turtle'

The word "turtle" comes from the French word "tortue," which refers to a tortoise or turtle. It is believed to have originated from the Latin word "tartaruchus," meaning "from Tartarus" or "hell," referencing the ancient belief that creatures like turtles might live in dark, deep places. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various types of shelled reptiles, including those that live in water

8 Things to Learn About Turtles

Weather you own a turtle or are thinking about owning one, everyone can learn something new about one of the most interesting land and sea animals. Look at the following facts about the history and meaning of one of nature's best gifts.

1. Temperature Determines a Turtle’s Sex

The gender of many turtle species is influenced by the temperature of the nest during incubation. Warmer temperatures typically produce female hatchlings, while cooler temperatures result in males. This temperature-dependent sex determination makes turtles particularly vulnerable to climate change, as rising temperatures could skew gender ratios and affect populations.

2. Turtles Unique Ways of Defending Themselves

Unlike other reptiles that rely on speed or venom, turtles use their shells as natural armor. Some species, like the box turtle, can completely close their shells to protect themselves from predators. Others, like the snapping turtle, rely on powerful jaws to defend themselves when threatened.

3. Turtles Play a Crucial Role in Ecosystems

Turtles help maintain the balance of their ecosystems. In the ocean, sea turtles keep seagrass beds healthy by grazing on them, which benefits marine life. Freshwater turtles control insect populations and clean up dead matter in rivers and ponds, while land-dwelling tortoises spread seeds, contributing to plant diversity.

4. Sea Turtles Travel Thousands of Miles

Sea turtles are incredible navigators that migrate vast distances between feeding and nesting sites. The leatherback sea turtle, for example, can travel over 10,000 miles a year across the ocean. They use the Earth’s magnetic field as a guide, allowing them to return to the same beaches where they were born to lay eggs.

5. Some Turtles Glow in the Dark

In 2015, researchers discovered that the Hawksbill sea turtle exhibits biofluorescence, meaning it can absorb light and re-emit it in different colors. Under blue light, these turtles glow in red and green, making them one of the few biofluorescent reptiles on Earth. Scientists believe this helps with camouflage in coral reefs

6. Turtles Can Get “The Bends” Like Scuba Divers

When turtles surface too quickly after deep dives, they can suffer from decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." This condition causes nitrogen bubbles to form in their bloodstream, leading to weakness, disorientation, and even death. Rescue centers sometimes treat affected turtles by placing them in hyperbaric chambers—just like human divers!

7. Turtles Can Hibernate Underwater for Months

Some species, like the painted turtle, can survive the winter by hibernating beneath frozen ponds. Their bodies switch to an anaerobic metabolism, allowing them to survive without oxygen for months while slowing their heart rate to once every 10 minutes or less.

8. Some Turtles Communicate Before Hatching

Embryos of certain turtle species, like the Amazon River turtle, can vocalize while still inside their eggs. These sounds help synchronize hatching, so all the babies emerge together, increasing their chances of survival against predators. 

How to Raise a Turtle at Home

Raising a turtle requires creating a suitable environment, providing the right diet, and ensuring proper care. First, you'll need a space with access to both water and land if you’re caring for an aquatic or semi-aquatic turtle, or a dry, secure area if it's a land-dwelling species like a tortoise. Ensure the habitat has appropriate lighting (UVB lights) for proper bone development and temperature regulation, as turtles are cold-blooded and need warmth to thrive.

Feeding your turtle a balanced diet based on its species, which may include leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and protein sources like insects or fish, is crucial for their health. Regular cleaning of the habitat, monitoring of water quality (for aquatic turtles), and occasional vet check-ups will keep your turtle healthy and happy in its environment.

Where to Buy Turtle Decor

If you're in search of the finest turtle wall decor or turtle statues, look no further! At Burst Living, we offer a range of art to suit any space, whether you're personalizing your home, office, or coastal retreat.

•Wall Decor - Add a touch of ocean charm with beautifully carved wooden turtle plaques, perfect for any space. 

•Statues & Figurines - Choose from detailed wooden turtle sculptures, available in various sizes to complement tabletops, shelves, and entryways.

•Hanging Decor - Elevate your space with wooden turtle family hangings bringing a soothing, coastal vibe.

Find Quality Wooden Turtle Carvings at Burst Living

Bring a touch of nature into your home. Shop our carefully curated selection of wooden turtle plaques, sculptures, and decor to enhance your space with unique, artisan-crafted designs. Whether you're decorating your home, office, or coastal retreat, our expertly carved pieces will add warmth and character.