ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Carapace

Alright kiddo, have you ever seen a turtle or a crab? They have a hard, protective shell on their backs, right? Well, that hard shell is called their carapace. The carapace is like a suit of armor that helps protect the turtle or crab's vulnerable body parts from predators or other dangers.

The carapace is made up of lots of little plates called scutes. Think of it like a puzzle - each scute fits perfectly with the others to create a strong and sturdy cover for the animal. Some animals, like turtles, can even tuck their whole body inside their carapace for extra protection.

But, the carapace isn't just for protection. Animals also use it to regulate their body temperature. Have you ever felt the heat coming off a rock on a hot day? Well, turtles and other animals with a carapace can use their shell to soak up the warm sun and keep their bodies nice and toasty.

So there you have it, a carapace is a hard, protective shell that helps animals stay safe and warm.