Why do turtles have shells?
Turtles have shells to keep their soft bodies safe, like a strong house.
Pip’s answer
- Turtles have shells to keep their soft bodies safe, like a strong house.
- When a turtle feels shy, many can tuck their head inside to hide.
- The shell is part of the turtle's body, so it grows bigger as it grows.
- Wow-ee, buddy, turtles have carried shells since the time of the dinosaurs!
For grown-ups
A turtle's shell is part of its skeleton, made of fused ribs and backbone covered by bony plates and tough scutes. Turtles cannot crawl out of their shells. Many species can pull their head and legs inside for protection.
Ask your child: What would you keep safe if you had a shell?
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