Spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca). (IMAGE) Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche Caption The spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is one of the most iconic land tortoise species in the Mediterranean basin. The description of this species' genome is a critical scientific milestone, as very few tortoises have been described at this level. These results will be a starting point to better understand the evolutionary history of the species and solve questions related to its life history, such as the secret to its longevity. Credit Ecology Department at UMH. Usage Restrictions Credit must be given to the creator. License CC BY Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.