Why do some turtles live so long?

Many turtles and tortoises are long-lived because they mature slowly and maintain a relatively low metabolic rate. Their shells offer strong protection, which can reduce deaths from predators before reproduction. In some species, cells also show unusual resistance to age-related damage, though longevity varies widely among turtles. Famous examples include giant tortoises that can live well over a century in captivity and in the wild. The Aldabra giant tortoise and the Galápagos tortoises are among the best-known long-lived reptiles.