Question

Though tortoise lives on land as well as in water, it cannot be included in class amphibia. Justify giving reasons.

Answer 1

Tortoise are classified under the class reptilia and not the class Amphibia as it has the following features:

1. The body is covered with scales.

2. Breathing occurs with lungs. The gills are not visible in any phase of life.

3. They do not lay eggs in water.

4. Their eggs are surrounded by hard shells and not by gelatinous coverings.

These features make tortoises reptiles and not amphibians.