These turtles can close the plastron tightly against the carapace after withdrawing into their shell. The shells of some kinds of turtles are plain black, brown, or dark green. But others have bright green, orange, red, or yellow markings. The head of most species of turtles is covered by hard scales. Turtles have no teeth, but they have a beak with a hard, sharp edge that they use to cut food.
Many turtles have powerful jaws, with which they tear food and capture prey.
Legs and feet. A turtle's legs and feet vary according to the habitat of the species. Land turtles, particularly tortoises, have heavy, short, clublike legs and feet. Most freshwater turtles have longer legs and webbed feet. Sea turtles have legs shaped like long paddles, with flippers instead of feet.