Related Stories. Aussie turtles 'ride the EAC' to Peru, Science Online, 10 Mar 2009; How the turtle got its shell, Science Online, 27 Nov 2008; Found! Turtle from dinosaur age, Science Online, 25 ...

This pattern of growth results in three distinct shell layers: ... In comparison, turtle shells are part of the vertebrate animal's so-called endoskeleton, or skeleton from within the body.

The draft genomes of soft-shell turtle and green sea turtle yield insights into the development and evolution of the turtle-specific body plan. Nature Genetics , 2013; DOI: 10.1038/ng.2615 Cite ...