Turtle parts of body ARCE

Thirteen families of turtles include approximately 250 species of the reptile. The various body parts of a turtle each have a specific function that helps the creature survive in its habitat.

    Shell

  1. The shell of a turtle, comprised of 59 to 61 bones, has plates known as scutes covering them. The shell is an extension of the animal's skeleton, attached to the turtle's spine and its rib cage.
  2. Types

  3. The top of the shell is the carapace, while the bottom is the plastron. The turtle has the ability to feel pain and the pressure from outside forces through its shell.
  4. Legs

  5. The legs of a land turtle are shorter than those of the aquatic types. The sea turtle has evolved so it has flippers instead of legs to aid it as it swims.
  6. Feet

  7. The feet of land-dwelling turtles are round to allow the turtle to walk, while the feet of most aquatic turtle species are webbed, helping it swim.
  8. Function

  9. The mouth of a turtle lacks teeth but has the shape of a beak. The mouth has very hard edges and when combined with the reptile's strong jaws, they allow the turtle to tear apart its food and catch animals such as frogs and fish.