Why Do Turtles Live For More Than 200 Years?

The turtle lives longer than any creature on earth, well over 200 years (and some scientists believe 300), for the very same reason that the tortoise won the race with the hare in the famous fable. The turtle takes things very easy. It moves slowly, grows slowly, eats slowly, and even breathes slowly. Some turtles’ eggs take up to a year to hatch.

During the winter, the turtle burrows deep into the mud under the water and all its body functions slow down. This is a hibernation period. The turtle’s breathing is so slow, it almost doesn’t exist. Whatever air the turtle needs, it gets from the mud.

The largest land turtle, the Galapagos turtle, can weigh up to 500 pounds, while the largest water turtle, the Leatherback, can reach 1,000 pounds!