Why do turtles live so long?
For grown-ups: the science
Many kinds of turtles use energy slowly, and their shells protect them, which can help them live a long time.
Turtle lifespans vary greatly by species, and not all turtles live a long time. Because turtles are ectotherms, their metabolism changes with the temperature around them, and many species have lower metabolic rates than mammals. Still, we cannot simply say that slow metabolism makes turtles live longer. In large species, a protective shell and a large body can help them avoid predators. How cells handle damage, along with growth and reproduction patterns, also affects lifespan.
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Transcript
A turtle walks slowly beside a pond. What helps it stay healthy for such a long time?
Many kinds of turtles move their bodies slowly. When they use less energy, changes inside their bodies may happen more slowly too.
A hard shell protects a turtle's body from the outside. Getting hurt less easily can help a turtle live longer.
Turtles can also repair parts of their bodies when they are damaged. But not every turtle can live a long life.
A slow-moving body and a protective shell are two things that can help turtles live a long time.