What class of animals does the turtle belong to?

The turtle belongs to the class of animals called Reptilia. The Reptilia class includes all of the turtle species, as well as lizards and snakes.

To be a member of the Reptilia class, an animal must also come from the Animalia kingdom and the Chordata phylum. The animal is classified as Reptilia because it has scales and a vertebrate; is ectothermic with a three-chambered heart; and can breathe through its lungs.

Although laying eggs is not a requirement to be a member of the Reptilia class, most of the animals in the class do lay eggs. The next step in scientific classification after the class is the order. All turtles and tortoises are members of the Testudines order.