Turtle Anatomy and Shell Functions

What was special about the shell of Odontochelys semitestacea?

• It had a shell only on its back.

• It had a shell only on its belly.

• It had a full shell covering its entire body.

• It had no shell at all.

How many shells does a modern turtle have?

• One shell.

• Two shells.

• Three shells.

• No shells.

What are turtle embryos made of at first?

• Specific cell types.

• Organs and tissues.

• Undifferentiated cells.

• Bone-forming cells.

How do turtles breathe with their rigid shells?

• They expand their rib cage.

• They use abdominal muscles attached to the shell.

• They breathe through their skin.

• They hold their breath for a long time.

Why do land-dwelling tortoises have domed shells?

• To help them glide through water.

• To make them lighter for faster movement.

• To help them slip free from predators and turn right side up.

• To allow them to squeeze into tight spaces.