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How turtle shells evolved... twice - Judy Cebra Thomas

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TEDEd Animation

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Modern turtle shells are almost as diverse as the turtles themselves. Sea turtles have flatter, lighter shells for gliding through the water. Land-dwelling tortoises have domed shells that can slip free of predators’ jaws. Leatherback turtles have shells without the ring of bone around the edge. So how did the shell evolve? Judy Cebra-Thomas explores the ancestry of the turtle.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Judy Cebra Thomas
  • Director Cabong Studios, Daniel Finkel
  • Compositor Daniel Freire
  • Narrator Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Producer Felipe Grosso

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