Movement

Tortoise Fact file

Name: European pond tortoise
Group: Reptile
Country of origin: Europe - Spain and France

Type of skeleton: Internal skeleton - a vertebrate
Movement: Tortoises hold their legs out to the sides of their bodies (this is true of all reptiles with legs). This makes them waddle from side to side as they walk. Generally tortoises are quite slow walkers.

Did you know? Tortoise shells are actually modified rib-cages. The ribs have become fused and surround the animal.

Find out more about British reptiles

Go back to the Movement page