Some Interesting Facts About Tortoise Shells

By Amir Soleymani  

Tortoises are defined by, protected by, described by and hunted for their shells. We are going to look into

some interesting facts about tortoise shells as we look into the biology of tortoises including their evolution

and how they have come to hold so much of our curiosity with their slow moving yet long lived lifestyle.

Many people looking for a tortoise for sale would be surprised to know how unique they really are.

Tortoises are found on most of the 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 in sparse 

rocky 

islands in the middle of the ocean, lush jungles in the Amazon, deserts in Africa and the cold steppes 

of 

Russia. All of this while carrying large and heavy domed shells made of bone on their backs.

Some tortoises

feed on vegetation and grasses while others feed on fruits and carrion. Some tortoises will even chase 

down 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 at visible sutures known as scutes. These bones form

 the top and bottom half of the shell known as the carapace and the plastron. The carapace is 

connected to the ribcage and the backbone of the tortoise and serves to protect these slow moving 

animals from predators and the elements. This very same device used for protection is what has brought

 about the demise of many tortoises as they are hunted and killed for the use of their shells by humans.

Many years ago sailors passing through the Galapagos Islands brought about the extinction of some 

Giant Tortoise species by collecting them for food. Tortoises were easy to catch and load on a ship 

where they would last for months and provide fresh meat to the sailors at sea. At the same time 

tortoises through Asia and India were collated and killed for the use of their beautiful shells in making

combs, eyeglass frames and other fancy ornaments. The use of plastics did a lot to curb this destruction

 of tortoises as well as the enactment of numerous protective laws designed to stop the eradication of 

tortoise species. Today the term tortoise shell is used to describe a medley 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 long 

distance as they look for food, mates and territory to make their own. Tortoises in captivity quickly 

become a part of the household with their endearing personality and endless curiosity. You should 

always do your research first if you are thinking about picking up a tortoise for sale.

Amir has a love for animals and an eye for detail. Having over 25 years of reptile breeding experience 

and husbandry means that he has spent endless hours studying them and has a vast knowledge about

reptiles including how they behave, what are the best foods for a particular reptile species, how to breed them, which ones are best for your kids, the best ways of taking care of them etc.

He is the founder and owner of https://www.xyzreptiles.com an eCommerce company and online reptile

store that offers quality reptiles for sale. A large selection of reptile pets where you can 

find beautiful snakes/boas, lizards, arachnids, amphibians, geckos and tortoises for sale

at big discounts.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Amir_Soleymani/2383371