When you take a closer look at all the fascinating tortoise facts, the one thing that quickly sets tortoises apart from most other creatures is their shells. The Chinese once used the tortoise shell both as medicine and for divination.The tortoise’s shell can be its protection against predators, but it could also leave them vulnerable. If overturned, they can be rendered immobile, facing the prospect of starvation.
The shell of the tortoise is made up of two parts. The upper shell is also referred to as the carapace, while the lower shell is known as the plastron. In truth the shell of a tortoise can be likened to the rib cage and spine of a mammal, but these bones are fused together to form an impenetrable shield of protection. The internal organs are found inside the shell. A layer of keratin covers the shell and this is made up of different patches, called scutes.
Typically the top, or carapace has about 38 scutes, while the plastron counts 12 to 14 scutes. These are named for the bones they would have represented. For example, on the plastron you may find the pectoral and femoral, which are reminiscent of bones also found within the human body. The patterns of the scutes, particularly on the carapace distinguish different species of tortoises. Generally, the number of scutes does not change as the tortoise grows. Only their size does.
The carapace of most types of tortoise is dome shaped to help it regain its position if overturned. It also makes it harder for predators to close their jaws around a tortoise shell. One exception to this is known as the Pancake Tortoise, a species from East Africa that loves to wedge itself in between the cracks of rocks.
A broken shell can spell disaster for the afflicted tortoise. Since they are so hard, this usually means that the tortoise in question has suffered some traumatic event, such as a car accident. This will need to be attended to by a trained veterinarian. Care must be taken also to avoid infection into the wounded area.
Tortoises are vulnerable to a condition known as pyramiding, if their nutritional and other needs are not properly met. Specifically, a tortoise needs enough calcium in its diet and also exposure to Vitamin D, whether in the form of sunlight, UV illumination or a supplement. If this disease occurs, scutes develop a conical shape. This could be fatal, if not arrested. Sometimes reversal can be achieved through a calcium supplement, given under the supervision of a veterinarian, but often the deformity becomes permanent.
While the shell offers protection, the tortoise facts also indicate that it is not indestructible and needs care, just like anything else.