ZOOLOGY TURTLE ACTIVITY
Name: _____________________________
Questions
1. Acquire a turtle for observation. One characteristic unique to turtles is their
shell. What advantage does a shell afford a turtle?
2. Draw the top shell of your turtle in detail. What is this shell called? What is
the bottom shell called? How do these two shells compare for the following
turtles?
a. Ornate Box Turtle
b. Red-Eared Slider Turtle
c. Snapping Turtle
3. Describe the composition of the turtle shell. Making sure to describe the
bones that compose the shell, as well as the structure overlying the bone.
4. How does having a shell effect the articulation (connection or association) of
the pectoral girdle bones with the vertebrae? How does this compare with
other reptiles?
5. How does having an unmovable shell (ribs) effect respiration in a turtle? How
do turtles overcome this restriction? Furthermore, what other means of
respiration are known to occur in turtles?
6. Acquire a turtle skull.
Do turtles have teeth?
7. Quickly sketch the skull (label what the openings in their skull are for).