Tortoise shells are not just made of bone. The scutes, or scales, protecting the bones underneath are made of keratin, like our fingernails. Unlike turtles, which shed scutes as they grow ...

2. The Shell Is a Living Structure Unlike a simple exoskeleton, a tortoise shell is a living, growing part of the animal. The shell is covered in a layer of scutes, which are made of keratin ...

The primary function of a tortoise's shell is protection. Their scutes—the sections on the top of their shells—grow upwards and on top of each other as the animal grows. Other turtles shed ...

Turtles usually live 20 to 40 years, though some may live longer. Tortoises can live a very long life many reach 80 to 150 years or more. The largest turtle, the Leatherback, can weigh up to 700 kg.

Each tortoise is identified by a series of numbers or markings made on their scutes giving scientists a way to monit individuals and collect useful d In the hot summer months, the dedicated team ...

although the Aldabra giant tortoise can weigh up to 250 kilos. Scute shedding Turtles: Turtles shed their scutes (the bony plates on their shells) as they grow, making room for new ones underneath.

Turtle shells are covered by scutes, plates made of keratin, the same material in fingernails. Scutes grow in layers like tree rings, forming beautiful swirls that preserve a chemical record of ...

Conrad and his colleagues wondered if the tough scales growing on turtle and tortoise shells – called scutes – might be a more promising option. These also grow in layers, but once the nail ...