A look into the life of Galapagos tortoises
Galapagos tortoises (Geochelone elephantopus) filmed in their native habitats.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Understanding energy flow in ecosystems.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Are you “red-y” to find out?
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.1.4 billion people in India share space with lions, tigers, and bears—oh my!Media Editor: Lauren Sims
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzLearn about parrot fishes and hawksbill sea turtles.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzA softshell turtle hunting for fish in Lake Khanka.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzLearn about reproduction of spur-thighed tortoises.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn some interesting facts about turtles.
News •
Critically endangered tortoises slurp up pumpkin soup
• Nov. 12, 2026, 2:00 PM ET (Popular Science)
18th century blue and white Korean ovoid Crane and Tortoise jar soars to $344,400 in ACES Gallery's Fall Estates Auction
• Oct. 22, 2026, 12:45 PM ET (The Arizona Republic)
Transcript
NARRATOR: The Galapagos Islands take their name from the giant land tortoises found there. Tortoises from different islands can be identified by the shape of their shells, which appear to have evolved into two main types with slight variations.
Tortoises with a dome-shaped shell and short neck inhabit islands with lush vegetation, like Santa Cruz Island.
Other islands, such as San Cristóbal and Hood, which are drier, have species with saddle-shaped shells and long necks.
Tortoises are predominately vegetarian, eating foliage, flowers, and fruits for their diet. When there is no freshwater, they obtain moisture from juicy cactus stems, grass, and other plants. When water is available, tortoises consume large quantities to store in their bodies.
The giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands are among the longest-lived vertebrates, surviving more than 100 years in the wild.
Tortoises with a dome-shaped shell and short neck inhabit islands with lush vegetation, like Santa Cruz Island.
Other islands, such as San Cristóbal and Hood, which are drier, have species with saddle-shaped shells and long necks.
Tortoises are predominately vegetarian, eating foliage, flowers, and fruits for their diet. When there is no freshwater, they obtain moisture from juicy cactus stems, grass, and other plants. When water is available, tortoises consume large quantities to store in their bodies.
The giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands are among the longest-lived vertebrates, surviving more than 100 years in the wild.
Last Modification: