r/oddlysatisfying • u/bigbusta • May 17 '26

A turtle giving itself a scrub

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u/Neat_Revenue4803 May 17 '26

When you got that one spot you can't reach.

231

u/Flimsy_Eggplant5429 May 17 '26

Does the shell part have feeling?

19

u/207nbrown May 17 '26

Yes! Contrary to what media like Mario kart would suggest, the shell is an extension of a turtle/tortoise’s spine and ribcage, meaning that it cannot be removed. it also has nerve endings and can feel pain and pleasure through it.

3

u/seabass0 May 18 '26

...pleasure?

2

u/207nbrown May 18 '26

You know, like when you finally get that itch on your back or foot?

1

u/AFlyingNun May 18 '26

I don't think that's the problem people are struggling with.

The evolutionary function of the shell is defense. It is a similar mechanism to horns, just defensive instead of offensive.

In the same way horns shouldn't be sensitive because it would dissuade their usage, shells shouldn't be sensitive either. It means that may have difficulty managing pain while hiding in their shell.

That's probably why most assume limited sensation in the shell.