A species of human-like animals that are born on the island of turtopia carry the turtlenerd gene called turtitis and, are usually adopted by human parents. Turtlenerds are born with a shell, but human parents generally have it removed at a young age so that their child can better fit in with other human children. Turtlenerds commonly wear jackets zipped all the way up their neck in order to cope with their shell removal. As they age, turtlenerds develop a liking of both food and reading.