Chelonia (turtles)

Chelonia, commonly known as turtles, are reptiles distinguished by their bony or cartilaginous shells that serve as protection. They have a unique body structure with a carapace (top shell) and plastron (bottom shell) fused to their ribs and spine. Turtles breathe air through lungs, lay eggs, and are found in diverse environments like oceans, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. They rely on slow movements and their shells for defense, and their lifespan can be several decades. Chelonia play vital roles in ecosystems, such as controlling aquatic vegetation and maintaining healthy populations of prey and predators.