The tortoise is a land-dwelling reptile that is characterized by a heavy domed shell. The top of the shell is called the carapace and the bottom is the plastron. The shell is attached to the body of the tortoise with bony plates called scutes. There are typically four pairs of scutes on the tortoise’s shell.
The tortoise’s shell provides protection from predators and the environment. The shell is also used for storage of fat and water. The tortoise can withdraw into its shell for protection from threats.
The shell of the tortoise is believed to have evolved from the dermal plates that covered the body of the primitive reptile ancestors of the tortoise. The dermal plates eventually became fused to form the tortoise’s shell.
The evolution of the tortoise’s shell is an example of convergent evolution. This is when different species independently evolve similar physical characteristics in response to similar environmental pressures.
What is the scientific name for the tortoise?
Geochelone
How many species of tortoise are there?
There are approximately 30 species of tortoise.
What is the average lifespan of a tortoise?
The average lifespan of a tortoise is about 80 years.
What do tortoises eat?
Tortoises are mostly herbivorous and eat leaves grass and fruits.
Where do tortoises live?
Tortoises live in warm climates in Africa Asia and the Americas.
How do tortoises move?
Tortoises move by walking on all fours.
What is the hard outer layer of the tortoise called?
The hard outer layer of the tortoise is called a shell.
What are the two parts of the tortoise shell called?
The upper part of the tortoise shell is called the carapace and the lower part is called the plastron.
How does the tortoise shell protect the tortoise?
The tortoise shell protects the tortoise by providing a barrier against predators and the environment.
What is the function of the tortoise scutes?
The tortoise scutes are the hard plates that make up the tortoise shell.
How many scutes does a tortoise have?
A tortoise has about 60 scutes.
What are the scutes made of?
The scutes are made of keratin which is the same material that makes up human fingernails and hair.
How do scutes grow?
Scutes grow by adding layers of keratin on top of the existing scutes.
Do all tortoises have shells?
All tortoises have shells but not all turtles have shells.
What is the main difference between tortoises and turtles?
The main difference between tortoises and turtles is that tortoises live on land and turtles live in water.
