09/14/2024
Here’s a great post from Zilla Products showing what’s in a turtle or tortoise’s shell!
Ever wonder what’s going on under those shells? 🐢💚
Turtle shells offer built-in protection but they’re also a part of a turtle’s skeleton. Unlike us, their ribs and spine are actually part of their shell! This unique structure helps in defense and buoyancy in water.
The shell has two main parts: the carapace (top) and plastron (bottom). The carapace shields from above, while the plastron guards the belly. Together, they provide excellent protection from predators along with flexibility for movement.
Most shells are covered in scutes, which are hard, bony plates made of keratin (the same protein in our nails). Scutes grow with the turtle, adding layers over time, a bit like tree rings.
And that’s just part of the reason why turtles are so fascinating! 🐢✨