Tortoises belong to an ancient group of reptiles that first appeared on the planet about 250 million years ago.
Giant tortoises are found on some remote islands, especially in the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar, and the Aldabra Atoll. These tortoises probably evolved from normal size tortoises that came over from the mainland. It takes a giant tortoise about 20 years to reach breeding size, and they can weigh over 400 kg!
Their eggs are about the size of a tennis ball, and are buried in moist sand, or loose soil. Some species are vegetarians, and giant tortoises can survive for long periods with little food or water. They have the longest lifespan of all vertebrates… they can live as long as I 00 years.
