Why Turtles Can’t Live Without Shells

Turtle_Shell

David Anderson of Science Insider discussed with biologist Maria Wojakowski to know more about what goes on below the exterior of the shell and why a turtle could not live without their shell.

But as it happens, the shell is also part of the turtle’s essential anatomy, just as a ribcage is to the humans. The shell also helps the animal with aerobic and anaerobic breathing, metabolism and gives internal and outer protection.

A turtle’s shell is as much a part of its body as our rib cage is of ours. In fact, it is their rib cage, and their spine, and their vertebrae, and their sternum. Basically, a turtle’s skeleton is inside out. And just like you can’t take a skeleton out of a person, right, you can’t take a turtle out of its shell either. But if you could, you’d probably be surprised by what you’d discover.

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