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Turtles are semi-aquatic reptiles known best for their hard outer shells derived from their ribs. Shells of turtles are made from bones. The upper fragment of the shell is a dome-shaped carapace, and the lower part of the shell is a belly plate or flatter plastron. The outer part of the belly plate is enclosed in a great variety of scales which are made of keratin – a dead protein also present in claws, horns, and hair. A carapace is an extension of rib bones that grow sideways and transform themselves into flattened plates.

These plates come together to form a protective shell. This outer shell is significantly important for turtles as it provides maximum protection from potential predators and against environmental hazards like lightning, thunderstorms, etc. Turtles present on land are mostly herbivores meaning that their primary feeding source comes from plant matter. Whereas, turtles present in the sea are potential carnivores meaning that they mainly feed on aquatic animals, which are much smaller in size. Mostly, turtles depend on sedentary or immobile animals for obtaining energy as turtles are too slow to run after mobile animals. It is reported that turtles have well developed nervous system due to which it has good long-term memory, plus turtles can learn new techniques readily. For instance, red-bellied cooters were able to learn unique tasks readily and would remember things that occurred to them at least 7 to 8 months ago.

The best thing about turtles is that they have an extremely extended life. For instance, an adult turtle can live for more than 150 to 160 years straight. Turtle are known best for making different sounds when they are in danger or when they intend to mate or are becoming adults. For example, some turtles make low-frequency calls when their bodies transform into adults. Others make sounds during mating season.