Turtles are famous for their shells, but this feature is far more than a protective covering. A turtle’s shell is actually fused to its skeleton, meaning its ribs and spine became part of a living ...

Turtles (Testudines) have captivated evolutionary biologists for decades due to their distinct morphology and ancient origins. Recent studies have elucidated the evolutionary transformations that led ...

Discover what’s inside a turtle shell, living bone fused to spine and ribs, packed with organs, muscles, and nerves that ...

Ever consider the question of whether a turtle can truly pull its head into its shell like a cartoon representation in a ...

A sea turtle’s shell is living bone fused directly to its spine and ribs. It is not a detachable shield or an external case, ...

Avise, John C., Bowen, Brian W., Lamb, Trip, Meylan, Anne B., and Bermingham, Eldredge. 1992. "Mitochondrial DNA Evolution at a Turtle's Pace - Evidence for Low Genetic Variability and Reduced ...

In vertebrates, the formation of feathers, hair, and scales is typically governed by molecular genetic factors. However, crocodile head scales are an exception, as they form through a purely ...

Deep in the coastal woods of South Carolina, behind high fences, guard dogs, and security cameras, is a group of people who ...