Flexi Says: Testudines have a unique body form; most of their body is shielded by a special bony or cartilaginous shell, called a carapace, which is developed from their ribs. The spine and ribs are fused to bony plates beneath the skin, which interlock to form a hard shell. Exterior to the skin, the shell is covered by scutes - horny plates made of keratin. The scutes protect the shell from scrapes and bruises.
