Question 1

True or false: These tortoises are the largest living tortoises on Earth.

Accepted Answer

True. Yes, adult males can exceed 900 pounds and 5 feet in length, making them the world's largest tortoise species.

Question 2

True or false: Galapagos giant tortoises can go over a year without eating or drinking.

Accepted Answer

True. They store fat and water efficiently, surviving up to 12 months without food or fresh water, especially during droughts.

Question 3

True or false: These tortoises lay their eggs in shallow water to keep them cool.

Accepted Answer

False. They dig nests on dry land, often in sandy soil, and cover eggs with dirt and vegetation for warmth and protection.

Question 4

True or false: All Galapagos giant tortoises have identical shell shapes across the archipelago.

Accepted Answer

False. Shell shape varies by island—saddleback on dry islands for reaching high plants, domed on wetter islands for ground foraging.

Question 5

True or false: They can live over 150 years in the wild.

Accepted Answer

True. While 100 years is common, some individuals exceed 170 years, like 'Lonesome George' who lived to about 100.

Question 6

True or false: Galapagos giant tortoises are excellent swimmers and often cross between islands.

Accepted Answer

False. They are terrible swimmers and float clumsily; they only drift between islands during storms, not by choice.

Question 7

True or false: Galapagos giant tortoises were named after the Spanish word for tortoise.

Accepted Answer

True. 'Galapagos' comes from an old Spanish word for 'tortoise' or 'saddle,' referencing their saddle-shaped shells on some islands.

Question 8

True or false: They were originally introduced to the Galapagos by Spanish explorers.

Accepted Answer

False. These tortoises evolved on the islands over millions of years, long before humans arrived—they are native, not introduced.

Galapagos Giant Tortoise Trivia Questions