AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Turtle shells are extremely hard and provide a safe space for the turtle to withdraw into, regulate its body temperature, protect it from predators and act as a reservoir of fats, minerals and water. The shell is bony, with about 60 bones in it.

Detailed explanation-2: -They have an amazing defense mechanism, their shell. The shell is made of bone with scutes on the outside layer. The scutes are made up of keratin just like a human’s hair and nails. When threatened turtles and tortoises will duck inside their shell for protection.

Detailed explanation-3: -To preserve a turtle shell, remove all organic mater, clean the shell, and then apply lacquer, polyurethane, or varnish.

Detailed explanation-4: -Most sea turtle species have a hard shell that helps protect them from predators. They are also very fast swimmers and are often able to evade danger. Leatherback sea turtles have a soft shell, but are so large that are only in danger from the largest predators (and man).

Detailed explanation-5: -A turtle’s shell is its armor and its ultimate protection from many of the dangers of the world. But when that strong shell is cracked or broken, it leaves the turtle vulnerable to infection, bacteria, and predation by other animals. Though turtles are resilient, a severe injury to the shell could cost its life.