Turtles have paddle-like limbs to help them swim along with claws to allow them move more easily on land. Because they are both land and water animals, this allows them to be able to escape from predators and catch food more easily.
They have strong outer shells that cover the top of their body for protection. It is a critical part of self-defense for turtles.
Most turtles have webbed forelimbs, which allows them to swim more easily.
Some species of turtles, such as the the snapping turtle, have strong jaws/claws for self defense.
Internal
Internal Structural Adaptations
Some turtles have tissues in the back of their mouths that allow them to extract oxygen from water directly, which lets them stay underwater longer.
Their number of vertebrae in their necks are increased to improve motion and speed.
Behavioral Adaptations
Behavioral Adaptations
When under threat of other animals/organisms, turtles will bundle up their head and limbs into their shell to protect themselves.
Some soft lipped species of turtles use their tongues to bait prey and then swallow them whole.
Species with sharp edges along their mouths use pressure to bite/cut their food into bite sized peices, then use their tongue to move the food to the back of their mouths and swallow.