Colourful tortoise shells

One of the most distinctive features of turtles is their shell, which serves as a protective covering for their body. The shell is made up of two parts: the carapace, which covers the back and the top of the turtle's body, and the plastron, which covers the underside. Turtles are also known for their powerful jaws and sharp beaks, which they use to catch and eat their prey. Turtles are ectothermic, which means that their body temperature is regulated by the environment around them. They are able to survive in a variety of temperatures and can even hibernate during the colder months. Turtles play important roles in many ecosystems, from serving as prey for predators to helping control algae in aquatic environments. Some species of turtles are also culturally significant animals in many parts of the world and are often associated with wisdom, longevity, and good luck.