A major group of turtles that can retract their head and neck directly backward into their shell in a straight line.
From 'crypto-' (hidden) + Greek 'diros' (doubtful or neck-related terminology). Established as a taxonomic classification in the mid-20th century based on turtle neck retraction mechanics.
Cryptodiran turtles are hiding experts—when threatened, they yank their head straight back, but their cousins the cryptodires fold their necks sideways; this biomechanical difference is so fundamental it divides all living turtles into two main groups!
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