Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

What term is used to describe the upper side of a turtle's shell?

1. Plastron

2. Carapace

3. Scutum

4. Shell upper

The correct answer is: Carapace

The term used to describe the upper side of a turtle's shell is 'carapace.' The carapace is a vital part of a turtle's anatomy, providing protection for its internal organs and serving as a point of attachment for ribs and other skeletal structures. In contrast to the carapace, the plastron refers to the lower shell of the turtle. Understanding these terms is crucial for wildlife rehabilitators, as they play a role in the assessment and treatment of injury or health issues in turtles. The term 'scutum' is less commonly used in relation to turtles and typically refers to a shield-like structure in other contexts within biology, while 'shell upper' is not a recognized term within herpetology. Thus, carapace is the correct and widely recognized terminology for the upper part of a turtle's shell.