Turtles are defined, protected, described, and hunted for their shells. We’re going to take a look at some interesting facts about turtle shells as we look at the biology of turtles, including their evolution and how they have come to harbor much of our curiosity with their slow but long-lived lifestyle. Many people looking for a turtle for sale would be surprised to learn how unique they really are.
Turtles are found on most continents, including North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as parts of Indonesia, Madagascar, and the Galapagos. They have evolved to live on rocky islands scattered in the middle of the ocean, lush jungles in the Amazon, deserts in Africa, and the cold steppes of Russia. All this while wearing large, heavy domed shells made of bone on their backs. Some turtles feed on vegetation and grasses, while others feed on fruits and carrion. Some tortoises will even chase small insects and snails as part of their varied diet.
The most obvious part of a tortoise is its large domed and usually brightly colored shell. The tortoise shell is a group of bones that are joined together in visible sutures known as shields. These bones form the upper and lower half of the carapace known as the carapace and plastron. The shell is connected to the turtle’s rib cage and spine and serves to protect these slow-moving animals from predators and the elements. This same device used for protection is what has caused the disappearance of many turtles, as they are hunted and killed by humans for the use of their shells.
Many years ago, sailors crossing the Galapagos Islands caused the extinction of some species of giant tortoises by collecting them for food. Turtles were easy to catch and load onto a ship where they would last for months and provide fresh meat to sailors at sea. At the same time, tortoises throughout Asia and India were sorted and killed to use their beautiful shells in the making of combs, eyeglass frames, and other fancy ornaments. The use of plastics did much to slow down this destruction of turtles, as well as the enactment of numerous protection laws designed to stop the eradication of turtle species. Today, the term tortoise shell is used to describe a mixture of black, brown, and yellow colors commonly seen on radiated and star tortoises.
These beautiful long-lived creatures can spend their entire lives in the same small area or roam a great distance in search of food, mate, and territory to make their own. Captive turtles quickly become part of the home with their endearing personalities and endless curiosity. You should always do your research first if you are thinking of buying a turtle to sell.