Answer:
The hard outer covering on the body of a turtle is called a shell.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shell is a protective structure that covers the body of a turtle. It is made up of plates called scutes, which are connected to the turtle's skeleton. The shell provides protection from predators and helps maintain the turtle's internal organs safe. It also plays a crucial role in the turtle's buoyancy and enables it to retract its head, legs, and tail for defense. The shell is a defining feature of turtles and is essential for their survival in their natural habitats.