Tortoises are not the only animals with shells. Snails turtles and even some insects have them. The shells of these animals are not smooth. They are covered in bumps and ridges. The tortoise shell is not smooth because it is made up of these same bumps and ridges.
The bumps and ridges on the tortoise shell are called scutes. Scutes are made of a tough material called keratin. They grow as the tortoise grows. Each scute covers a small area of the shell. The scutes overlap each other like shingles on a roof.
The scutes help to protect the tortoise from predators and from getting hurt. They also help to keep the tortoise shell from getting too hot in the sun.
The tortoise shell is not smooth because it is made up of scutes. The scutes are made of a tough material called keratin. They grow as the tortoise grows. Each scute covers a small area of the shell. The scutes overlap each other like shingles on a roof.
The scutes help to protect the tortoise from predators and from getting hurt. They also help to keep the tortoise shell from getting too hot in the sun. The tortoise shell is not smooth because it is made up of scutes. The scutes are made of a tough material called keratin. They grow as the tortoise grows. Each scute covers a small area of the shell. The scutes overlap each other like shingles on a roof.
The scutes help to protect the tortoise from predators and from getting hurt. They also help to keep the tortoise shell from getting too hot in the sun.
What makes a tortoise’s shell rough?
The scutes on a tortoise’s shell are what make it rough.
The scutes are made of keratin which is the same material that makes human fingernails.
How does the tortoise’s shell protect it from predators?
Answer: The tortoise’s shell acts as a shield protecting it from predators.
The shell is also hard making it difficult for predators to bite through.
How does the tortoise’s shell help it to survive in the wild?
Answer: The tortoise’s shell provides protection from the sun and from predators.
The shell is also hard which makes it difficult for predators to bite through.
What are the scutes on a tortoise’s shell made of?
Answer: The scutes on a tortoise’s shell are made of keratin which is the same material that makes human fingernails.
How does the tortoise’s shell provide protection from the sun?
Answer: The tortoise’s shell reflects the sun’s rays protecting the tortoise from the sun’s heat.
How many scutes are on a tortoise’s shell?
Answer: There are usually around 60 scutes on a tortoise’s shell.
What is the purpose of the scutes on a tortoise’s shell?
Answer: The scutes on a tortoise’s shell protect the tortoise from predators and from the sun.
Do all tortoises have scutes on their shells?
Answer: Yes all tortoises have scutes on their shells.
How often do tortoises shed their scutes?
Answer: Tortoises shed their scutes every few months.
What happens if a tortoise loses a scute?
Answer: If a tortoise loses a scute a new one will eventually grow back in its place.
Do scutes grow back if they are removed?
Answer: Yes scutes will grow back if they are removed.
What is the shell of a tortoise made of?
Answer: The shell of a tortoise is made of keratin.
Is the tortoise’s shell smooth or rough?
Answer: The tortoise’s shell is rough.
What is the tortoise’s shell used for?
Answer: The tortoise’s shell is used for protection.
How does the tortoise’s shell protect it from the sun?
Answer: The tortoise’s shell reflects the sun’s rays protecting the tortoise from the sun’s heat.
