Where do tortoises originate from?

Tortoises originate from various regions around the world, primarily in warm, dry environments such as deserts and grasslands. They are believed to have evolved from freshwater turtles around 200 million years ago. Today, they are found on every continent except Antarctica, with the highest diversity in tropical areas like the Galápagos Islands and Madagascar. Different species have adapted to their specific habitats, leading to a wide range of sizes and appearances.