Turtle Shells and Their Evolution

Doug introduces his pet tortoise and addresses a question from Samaliya about whether turtles can live outside their shells. He explains that unlike hermit crabs, turtles cannot leave their shells as the shell is part of their body, connected to their skin and backbone. Doug shows a turtle skeleton to illustrate this point and discusses fossil evidence that supports the idea that turtle shells evolved from their backbones. The video concludes with Doug inviting viewers to vote on the next question to be answered.

What is the main difference between tortoises and other turtles?

• Tortoises live in water.

• Tortoises live on dry land.

• Tortoises can fly.

• Tortoises are not reptiles.

What question does Samaliya ask about turtles?

• Can turtles fly?

• Can turtles live outside their shells?

• Are turtles mammals?

• Do turtles eat plants?

How are hermit crabs different from turtles regarding their shells?

• Hermit crabs' shells are made of metal.

• Hermit crabs do not have shells.

• Hermit crabs can leave their shells.

• Hermit crabs' shells are part of their body.

What material does a turtle's shell feel similar to?

• Wood

• Metal

• Glass

• Fingernail

What is the relationship between a turtle's skin and its shell?

• They are separate.

• The skin is inside the shell.

• The skin is connected to the shell.

• The skin covers the shell.

What part of the turtle's body is the shell connected to?

• The legs

• The backbone

• The head

• The tail

What did ancient turtles have instead of complete shells?

• No shells at all

• Feathers

• Long backbones

• Very small shells

What evidence do scientists use to study the evolution of turtle shells?

• Turtle footprints

• Turtle eggs

• Turtle fossils

• Modern turtle shells

What is the conclusion about a turtle's ability to live outside its shell?

• Turtles cannot live outside their shells.

• Turtles prefer to live outside their shells.

• Turtles can live outside their shells.

• Turtles sometimes live outside their shells.

Which question is NOT one of the options for the next video topic?

• Why is the sky blue?

• How do turtles swim?

• How did holes form in a rock?

• Why can't everyone curl their tongues?