Geochelone


Geochelone is a genus of tortoises.
Geochelone tortoises, which are also known as typical tortoises or terrestrial turtles, can be found in southern Asia. They primarily eat plants.
The genus consists of two extant species:
A number of tortoise species have been recently removed from the genus. This taxon as formerly defined was "polyphyletic, representing at least five independent clades". Tortoises removed include members of Aldabrachelys, Astrochelys, Chelonoidis, Stigmochelys and Centrochelys, and the extinct Megalochelys.

"Self-righting" shell

The form of the shell of the Indian star tortoise resembles a gömböc, allowing it to turn over when lying upside down very easily.