Turtles and Tortoises of the World (Of the World Series)

Human exploitation, carelessness, and greed have wiped out whole populations of giant tortoises, and even today, five of the seven species of marine turtle are threatened with extinction. Learn about the form and function of their distinctively patterned shells, which repel predators; when and why chelonians first stepped onto land, and the unique biology that allows turtles to live comfortably in salt water. Pictures show a variety of species, including musk, pond, painted, and box turtles; yellow and redfooted tortoises; African spurred tortoises; and diamondback terrapins.