Snakes and Frogs and Their Relatives 



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THE PAINTED TURTLE AND ITS ATTRACTIVE SHELL 



Encased in armor, turtles have sturdily maintained themselves against their enemies 

 for many millions of years. They are wary and unsociable creatures at least when 

 they suspect the presence of an enemy. The painted turtle, with a shell about six 

 inches long, has vivid markings of red and yellow on its blackish or olive upper 

 shell. It feeds on water plants and animals, eats them only under water. 



that even the soft body is covered with rough, coarse skin and 

 often with many scales. 



You can appreciate the effectiveness of this protective covering 

 when you realize that turtles have survived for many millions of 

 years with no means of fighting countless larger animals that 

 might attack them. Their success is strictly due to defense equip- 

 ment. (A noteworthy exception, of course, is the big snapper 

 with its vicious hooked beak.) 



The Protective Shell: The upper shell (the "carapace") varies 

 in shape depending on the species of turtle. This shell grows 

 attached to the turtle's backbone; in a few species the carapace 

 is quite flat, in others it is rounded. 



The lower shell (the "plastron") also varies in shape and size 

 and is attached to the breastbone. There is also a great deal of 

 variation from one species to one another as to size and color of 

 the turtle's body. Other oddities include the tail of the snapping 



