TED-Ed: How turtle shells evolved... twice - Judy Cebra Thomas

The video explores the evolution and development of turtle shells, starting with Odontochelys, an early turtle ancestor. It explains how turtle embryos develop two separate shells, the carapace and plastron, through unique cellular processes. The video also discusses the evolutionary history of turtle shells, highlighting key ancestors like Eunotosaurus and Proganochelys. Finally, it examines the diversity of modern turtle shells, adapted for different environments, such as sea turtles and tortoises.

Explain the role of neural crest cells in the development of the turtle's plastron.

What challenges do turtles face due to their rigid shell structure?