Sea Turtle Anatomy

What is the primary function of a sea turtle's shell?

• Protection and support

• To store food for later

• To help them fly in the air

• To communicate with other sea turtles

How many layers make up a sea turtle's shell?

• Three

• Two

• Four

• Five

What are the two main parts of a sea turtle's shell called?

• top and bottom

• front and back

• head and tail

• carapace and plastron

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is the scientific name for the top part of a sea turtle's shell?

• Shelltop

• Turtleshell

• carapace

• Seashell

What is the scientific name for the bottom part of a sea turtle's shell?

• carapace

• scute

• plastron

• plastron

What is the purpose of the scutes on a sea turtle's shell?

• To attract mates

• To store food

• To help with camouflage

• Protection and streamlined swimming

How does a sea turtle's shell differ from that of a tortoise?

• The sea turtle's shell is softer and more flexible.

• The sea turtle's shell is smaller and more colorful.

• The sea turtle's shell is heavier and more angular.

• The sea turtle's shell is more streamlined and lighter.

What are the main components of a sea turtle's shell?

• head and tail

• fins and flippers

• scales and spikes

• carapace and plastron

How does a sea turtle's shell provide protection?

• It provides camouflage to blend in with the ocean floor.

• It acts as a shield against predators and physical harm.

• The shell allows the sea turtle to fly through the water at high speeds.

• The shell emits a toxic substance to deter predators.

How does a sea turtle's shell help with buoyancy and swimming?

• It has no effect on buoyancy or swimming

• It causes the turtle to sink to the bottom of the ocean

• It makes the turtle heavier and slows it down

• It provides buoyancy and helps with swimming.