Question

Which of the following defines the word carapace in The Loggerhead Sea Turtles of Georgia?

A.the shell of a turtle
B.the overlapping scales of a turtle's shell
C.The skeleton of any furtle or other reptile
D.the muscles that support the strong beak of a turtle

Answer 1

The carapace is the dorsal shell of a turtle, including the backbone and ribs, and provides protection and muscle attachment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term carapace is used to define the shell of a turtle, such as those of the loggerhead sea turtles of Georgia. Specifically, the carapace refers to the dorsal shell of a turtle, which includes the backbone and ribs, distinguishing it from the ventral shell called the plastron. Both the carapace and plastron are covered with keratinous plates or scutes and are held together by a bridge. This shell is not merely an epidermal covering but is integrated into the turtle's skeletal system, providing protection and allowing for muscle attachment.