Turtles are fascinating creatures, with their unique features and characteristics. One of their most distinctive features is their shell.
Turtles are fascinating creatures, with their unique features and characteristics. One of their most distinctive features is their shell.
1
A turtle's shell is made up of two parts: the upper part is called the carapace, and the lower part is called the plastron.
2
A turtle's shell is actually a part of its skeleton. The bones of the turtle's ribcage and spine are fused to form the carapace, while the plastron is formed from the collarbone and pelvic girdle.
3
The shell provides protection for the turtle. It serves as a shield against predators and environmental hazards such as falling debris.
4
The shell also helps turtles regulate their body temperature. They can bask in the sun to warm up and retreat into the shade or water to cool down.
5
Some turtles can retract their head, limbs, and tail into their shell for protection. The shell provides a safe and secure hiding place when needed.
6
The pattern and shape of a turtle's shell can vary greatly between species. Some turtles have smooth, flat shells, while others have spiky or domed shells.
7
A turtle's shell continues to grow throughout its life. As the turtle grows, the bones in its shell add layers of new bone to the existing structure.