Carapace
The carapace is the dorsal, convex part of the shell structure of the tortoise, consisting
of an external layer of horny material, divided into large plates known as scutes,
which overlie a layer of interlocking bones. This construction allows for a sturdy tortoise.
The scutes
The Plastron makes up the other half of the tortoise's shell. All tortoises from sea turtles to box (or painted) turtles and desert tortoises can be distinguished by their species-specific arrangment of scutes.
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