Is a Turtle Shell Really Modified Ribs?

It’s thought that the evolution of turtles
A turtle shell is not a shell at all but is made up of specially evolved ribs.

Lookout Mountain Conservancy - Fun facts! . . . A turtle's shell is actually a modified rib cage that is part of its spinal column. It has nerve endings too which means

Turtle shell - Wikipedia

Archives, Page 56

Species Spotlight - Woodland Box Turtle (U.S. National Park Service)

Some Interesting Turtle Facts – Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre

Shells Articles

Fact Checks Archive, Page 238

Research suggests turtle shells evolved for digging, not protection

If you've ever wondered about turtle shells…

Fact Checks Archive, Page 238

A Turtle Shell is Human Ribs

Sheila Articles

Microanatomy of the stem-turtle Pappochelys rosinae indicates a predominantly fossorial mode of life and clarifies early steps in the evolution of the shell

Why Do Turtles Need Shells? Why Do Frogs Hop?

Shells Articles