The family Kinosternidae, commonly known as mud turtles and musk turtles, belongs to the order Testudines (turtles). These are small to medium-sized freshwater turtles found primarily in the Americas, often inhabiting slow-moving rivers, ponds, swamps, and marshes. Kinosternids are characterized by domed shells, relatively small size, and the ability to emit a strong musky odor from glands as a defense mechanism. They are mostly omnivorous, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and plant material, and are known for their secretive, bottom-dwelling habits. Many species in this family exhibit interesting reproductive strategies, such as delayed hatching, and they play important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems as both predators and scavengers.