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2. TURTLES
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
Turtles are reptiles. Most reptiles have scales, lay
eggs and are ectothermic. The term ‘ectothermic’
means the animal’s body temperature depends
on its external environment. If the environment
is too warm, the animal must move to where
it is cooler. For example, moving from sun to
shade. If the environment is too cool, the animal
must move to where it is warmer. For example,
moving from shade to sun.
The most obvious difference between turtles and other reptiles is its shell. A turtle’s shell is a part of
its skeleton. The shell has three parts. The top rounded section is the carapace. The bottom flatter
section is the plastron. These two sections are connected on the sides by “bridges”.
The shell has nerves and blood vessels. A turtle’s shell grows as the turtle grows. The shell has two
layers. The inner layer is made of bones. These bones include the backbone, breastbone and ribs.
The outer layer is made up of hard scales called scutes. Scutes are made of keratin. Keratin is the
same material in our nails and hair. Some turtles can pull their head, legs and feet into their shells
for protection.
1. What do reptiles have?
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2. What does ‘ectothermic’ mean?
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3. What are the parts of the shell?
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4. What are the two layers of the shell?
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5. Why do turtles pull themselves into their shells?
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49 Arrow - English Plus-7
