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An introduction to two very different types of tortoise – the jousting angulate tortoises of Dassen Island, and the giant tortoises of the Galapagos.Key facts
- Male angulate tortoises are very territorial, and frequently joust with one another.
- The underside of a tortoise's shell is called the plastron.
- Male giant tortoises have a concave plastron, which prevents them toppling off the female during mating.
- Giant tortoises can live over 150 years.
Transcript
Dassen Island, South Africa
Dassen Island off the west coast of South Africa is home to a large population of angulate tortoises.
Angulate Tortoise
Like all reptiles, tortoises are cold blooded.
This means they have to rely on external factors to control their body temperature.
To warm up, the tortoises bask in the ...
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