Tortoises move on land using their stumpy, round feet. Unlike aquatic turtles, tortoises lack webbed feet. Their strong, column-like legs and feet are designed for walking and digging on solid ground.
Here's a breakdown of tortoise locomotion:
- Foot Structure: Tortoise feet are short, thick, and sturdy, providing a stable base for movement across various terrains.
- Walking: They walk with a deliberate, often slow, gait. Their strong legs provide the power to carry their heavy shells.
- Digging: Many tortoise species, especially those in arid environments, utilize their strong forelimbs and claws to dig burrows. These burrows provide shelter from extreme temperatures.
In essence, tortoises move across land by walking with their specialized, non-webbed feet and strong legs. They also use their forelimbs for digging, which aids in creating shelter within their terrestrial environment.
