The Importance of Turtles’ Shells: Protection, Heat Absorption, Swimming Ability, and UV Ray Capture

KOMPAS.com– Turtles are creatures that have inhabited this planet for millions of years, and the process of evolution has shaped them into very interesting animals.

When it comes to turtles, one of their most iconic and widely recognized features is their shell.

Also read: What’s Inside a Turtle’s Shell?

This shell serves as a powerful protection, protecting their vital organs from various physical dangers and predators lurking in their environment.

However, is this shell really necessary for their survival?

Can’t live without a shell

Reporting from Science ABC, Thursday (5/10/2023), turtle and tortoise shells are an important part of their skeleton. It is tightly attached to their ribs and spine so it cannot be separated from their body.

The carapace, which is the outer layer of a turtle’s shell, has nerve endings and is similar to a turtle’s shell.

Unlike other reptiles such as snakes, frogs and lobsters, turtles do not shed their skin or grow a new outer layer. Their scales grow along with their skeletons, although turtles may replace their scales occasionally.

Turtles will feel excruciating pain if their shell breaks, similar to the pain felt if a human knee breaks.

Holes in the shell, caused by a lack of calcium from sunlight, can hinder the turtle’s normal growth and make it susceptible to various diseases.

Because bones are living tissue, any damage to the bone structure can open the door to bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. This could potentially harm other animal living systems.

Also read: How does a turtle’s shell grow?

The function of the tortoise shell

Reporting from American Tarantula & AnimalsThursday (5/10/2023), shells provide many benefits for turtles, including:

1. Protection

The turtle shell is one of the most iconic features of these animals, and protection is the main reason why they developed their hard shells.

The early ancestors of turtles were excellent diggers. To dig hard ground, their ribs undergo changes and enlarge, giving them strong forearms.

However, this also means they have to live underground, where oxygen is limited.

With wider ribs, they developed larger lungs, making it possible to survive longer in environments with low oxygen levels.

Over time, the ancestors of turtles turned to water as an escape from predators, where these shells provided excellent protection.

Eventually, the tortoise form evolved into the modern turtle, and the ribs once used for digging transformed into the iconic hard shell.

Also read: What is the function of a turtle shell?

2. Heat absorption

Most shells have dark colors because these colors help in more efficient heat absorption.

This has important significance because turtles rely heavily on environmental temperature to regulate their body temperature.

In addition, the shell also serves as a protector for the turtle’s internal organs from potential dehydration and overheating, while still allowing them to regulate their body temperature effectively.

3. Helps with swimming

Many aquatic turtles (turtles) have developed lighter shells to allow them to swim faster.

This flat shell allows them to glide through the water more efficiently compared to land turtles which have tall shells.

Leatherback turtles can reach speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour, although most turtles only swim around 10 kilometers per hour.

In addition to lighter shells, their plastrons (the bottom part of the shell) have also become smaller, increasing the movement ability of their limbs and reducing their total weight, which helps control their buoyancy.

Also read: What is in a Turtle Shell?

4. Capture UV rays

Turtles need sunlight, especially UV light, to produce Vitamin D, which helps regulate their calcium levels.

The main function is to absorb UV rays and provide access to the skin. A lack of sunlight or UV rays can result in calcium deficiency, leading to metabolic bone disease and serious health impacts.

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2023-10-06 01:00:00
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