"Terrestrial and aquatic turtles share similar bodies, with four limbs and a shell, but have distinctive limb shapes and gaits adapted for their specific environment," said Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio, the John J. Lee Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science and principal investigator of the study.

"Sea turtles have elongated flippers for swimming, whereas land turtles and tortoises have rounded legs for load bearing while walking."