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The inner part of the shell is made of skeletal bones (spine, modified ribs) overlaid with dermal bone. The dermal bone forms plates with edges that do not match the edges of the surface layer of scutes. One large division of turtles, the Pleurodires(sidenecks and snake-necks/long necks) which hide their head by turning it to the side, additionally have their pelvis fused into the shell's bone structure.
The visible layer, the scutes, are made up of plates of β-keratin (Beta keratin), a form of keratin which (unlike the stringy α-keratin (Alpha keratin) found in mammal hair and claws) is made up of stacked sheets. In many species there are also color structures in the scutes themselves, containing pigments such as melanin and carotenoids. In many tortoises this keratin layer builds up over their lifetime, while in most turtles it is shed as they grow, either in whole sheets or small flakes.
Some highly aquatic turtles, notable the softshells and leatherback sea turtle, do not have the upper keratin layer, and instead have a coating of skin. These turtles also have a decreased bone layer, however it is still present.
What else can I help you with?
Can turtles hide in their shell?
as far as i know they can just like tortoises.
Are turtles born with their shell?
Yes they are, because they hatch from eggs and their egg is used by there shell.
Do turtles have backbones?
Yes they have a backbone. You can't see it because of his shell that protect them. Thanks!!
Is a turtles shell fire proof?
yea
Other reptiles have that turtles don't have?
Unlike other reptiles, turtles have a bony shell that protects their bodies. Additionally, turtles are distinctive in that their ribs are fused to their shell, a feature not seen in other reptiles. Turtles are also unique in their ability to retract their head and limbs into their shell for protection.
How do you clean rust of a turtles shell?
to put it shortly a turtles shell is a growth of the spine. whitch is made of BONE.
Was a turtle shell once living?
A turtles shell is a part of its' body made out of bone. Turtles grow their own shells.
What is a turtles back made of?
It's shell. It earns it when it is born.
Do turtles have a bottom shell?
yes turtles do have a bottom shell
Why does terrapin has shell?
A terrapin has a shell because it is a turtle, of course. There are 4kinds of turtles: aquatic turtles, land turtles, terrapins, and sea turtles. All turtles have shells.
Whats a turtles shell made from?
turtle shells are made from small, flat, bony shields or plates
What are star turtles?
Star Turtles are turtles with star like shell
Can turtles hide in their shell?
as far as i know they can just like tortoises.
What does a turtles shell do?
A turtles shell is a form of armor; it makes it very hard for a predator to bite the turtle.
How do sea turtles shell stay on there back?
A sea turtles shell stays on its back because its attached
Are turtles born with their shell?
Yes they are, because they hatch from eggs and their egg is used by there shell.
What does a turtle use it's shell for?
The turtles shell protects itself and hides inside its shell when in danger or when they are scared. The shell helps the turtle breathe. The turtles shell is another way to breathe for them.
