Turtle Anatomy and Behavior Questions

Bruce Doran introduces turtle biology, focusing on the Blanding's turtle. He explains turtle features, such as their long necks, sharp beaks, and strong claws. The video details the anatomy of turtle shells, emphasizing that turtles cannot leave their shells as they are part of their skeleton. The unique position of the scapula in turtles is discussed, highlighting its adaptation during development. The video concludes with an invitation to learn more at Science North.

What is the main question people ask about turtles?

• How fast can turtles swim?

• Can turtles come out of their shell?

• How long do turtles live?

• What do turtles eat?

What feature do turtles use to catch their food?

• Their teeth

• Their long neck

• Their tail

• Their fins

How can you differentiate between male and female turtles?

• By the color of their shell

• By the length of their neck

• By the position of the cloaca

• By the size of their claws

What is the upper part of a turtle's shell called?

• Scutes

• Scapula

• Carapace

• Plastron

What material is the outer part of a turtle's shell made of?

• Cartilage

• Bone

• Calcium

• Keratin

What happens to the keratin layers on a turtle's shell as it grows?

• They harden

• They change color

• They are shed

• They become thicker

Why is the position of the scapula unique in turtles?

• It is located on the back

• It is fused with the shell

• It is located in the front

• It is absent in turtles

What allows turtles to move their front legs despite having a shell?

• Flexible joints

• A special muscle

• The migration of the scapula

• A gap in the shell

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

• To protect them from predators

• To attract mates

• To store food

• To help them swim faster

Where can you learn more about turtles and see them in person?

• At a local zoo

• At Science North

• In a wildlife documentary

• In a pet store