Why do tortoise have teeth?

Tortoises do not have teeth. Instead, they have a horny beak that is used for biting and tearing food. The beak is made of keratin, the same material that makes up human nails and hair. Tortoises have a sharp, pointed upper beak and a wider, flatter lower beak. They use their beaks to bite and tear at plants, insects, and other small animals.