Turtle shells evolved over the course of 300 million years, but self-defense wasn't the initial driver, researchers think.

Turtles and tortoises are both reptiles with shells, so what exactly are their differences? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

FLAGLER BEACH — Lori Ottlein likes turtles. She already had a couple of pet turtles, known as cooters, named Sam and Ella, when one day, more than two decades ago, she saw some people on the beach ...