The turtle shell is a shield for the ventral and dorsal parts of turtles (the order Testudines), completely enclosing all the turtle's vital organs and in some cases even the head. [1]

Turtle shells are made of bone and cartilage, but it is the form and function of the shells that make them unique in the animal kingdom. The top part of the shell is called the carapace while the underside is …

Apr 30, 2025 · The shell of a turtle covers the outside of the skeleton, growing over the top of a very thin layer of subcutaneous tissue, or skin. It consists of dozens of scale-like plates, called scutes. These …

Mar 26, 2025 · Turtles’ shells, which are actually a part of their skeletal system, serve a crucial protective function. They evolved from ribs and parts of the turtle’s skin, providing an external shield …

Oct 29, 2025 · One of the most apparent reasons a turtle has a shell is to protect them from outside elements. A turtle shell is solid and made of hard material to protect its body from harm.

Jul 23, 2025 · A turtle’s shell is part of the turtle’s skeleton. The shell forms when the turtle is an embryo inside the egg.

Dec 8, 2025 · Turtles and tortoises have a carapace (the top or dorsal shell) and a plastron (the bottom or ventral shell), both of which should always be hard (unless it is a hatchling turtle or a species of …

Dec 14, 2025 · The broad-shelled river turtle (Chelodina expansa) falls into a group known as side-neck turtles. It can fold its long neck and head inside its shell, over one of its arms.

Aug 17, 2025 · A turtle’s shell is composed of approximately 60 bones, including modified ribs and parts of the pelvis, all fused together to form a rigid skeletal box. This bony framework is covered by a thin …

Turtles have shells because they found a really good way to protect their insides. They started out as big rib bones and grew from there. The big, heavy armor they carry around makes them slow, but you …