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. Box Turtle
b. Basking Turtle
c. Snapping Turtle
d. Softshell 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?
Homework
1. Do turtles have teeth? What adaptation do they have for feeding? What do
they commonly eat?
2. How has having a shell affected the life span of turtles relative to other
reptiles? How has this associated with the number of offspring they produce
and their vulnerability to human predation and exploitation?