A TURTLE is a type of reptile that has a shell. Turtles are one of the oldest living species on Earth, having been around for more than 200 million years. They have a hard protective shell that covers their body and helps them to survive in their environment. Turtles come in many different shapes and sizes, from the small box TURTLE to the large leatherback sea TURTLE. Turtles are found in many different habitats, from freshwater lakes and rivers to the ocean.