Turtles are reptiles that come in all different shapes and sizes. There are many types of turtles such as the box turtle. Turtles are popular pets that make great pets. Many turtle species are in danger of extinction. Their habitat, like their diet, is very important to the survival of any turtle. They can die if they are not fed the right, healthy food. It is very important what food the turtle eats. There are a variety of foods that people can feed their pet turtles. Different types of foods that contain different types of vitamins and nutrients such as calcium. Calcium is very important for turtles. Food given to two turtles changed their behavior over the course of two weeks. Turtles have been around for a very long time. They have existed for approximately 215 million years. Turtles live much longer than mammals, crocodiles, birds, snakes and lizards. They can live to about 200 years of age, but most live to about 70 years of age. Turtles have a hard shell that protects them like a shield. This upper shell is called a carapace. The lower shell is called the "plastron". The shell is attached to the spine and the lower part of the ribcage. It is different from the shell of other animals such as the crab. The turtle's shell is permanent, it cannot come off. The turtle's shell makes them special and unique animals. A turtle's shell protects them from harm. Many people believe that the shell has helped turtles survive for millions of years. The upper part of the shell is called the carapasi. The lower part is called the plastron. The shell has sixty bones that are all together. Because turtles have so many bones on their shell, it is very important to feed them a healthy diet and provide them with plenty of calcium and protein. This will make them strong and healthy. Some turtles can eat ...... middle of paper ...... healthy food that does not contain pesticides. When turtles are young they should be fed more than adult turtles. Bottom line, turtles are reptiles. They are endangered species. This is why it is so important to feed turtles a healthy diet for them to survive. They can die if they are not fed the right, healthy food. It is very important what food the turtle eats. Giving turtles healthy food and more calcium can influence the behavior of pet turtles. That's why they need a balanced diet of proteins, calcium and vitamins. Calcium and protein should be what they eat the most because it is the most important nutrient for turtles. Calcium and protein can help the shell become strong, especially since they need it to survive. When they are not fed as they wish, they go on hunger strike. They may go a long time without eating food.