Notable traits
Shell functions (Chiari et al. 2009)
Carapace shapes (Schafer 1982; Poulakakis et al. 2008; Poulakakis et al. 2015, except as noted)
Hatchlings (Bonin et al. 2006)
Weighing a juvenile Galápagos giant tortoise at the San Diego Zoo, 1961.
As adults, Galápagos giant tortoises weigh hundreds of pounds. Males are much heavier than females.
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.
The sturdy, elephant-like feet of Giant Galápagos Tortoises help to support their heavy bodies.
Image credit: Peter Wilton, made publically available via Wikimedia Commons; CC by 2.0 license.