How is the life cycle of a Galapagos tortoise determined?

Life expectancy for the Galapagos Tortoise is over 100 years in the wild, making it one of the longest living species on Earth. 'Harriet, a specimen kept in Australia Zoo, was the oldest known Galápagos tortoise, having reached an estimated age of more than 170 years before her death in 2006.' (Wikipedia). read more

The life cycle of a tortoise will vary depending on the species. For example some species hibernate some don't. For those that hibernate they lay eggs in the spring, they hatch and grow while gaining as much reserves as they can for the hibernation period. read more

Giant tortoises can only be found on Galapagos and on the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean. They can weigh up to 270 kilograms, and they have very few natural enemies. However, these slow moving reptiles are threatened by humans and the animals humans have introduced on these remote islands. read more