Painted Turtles: What Their Colors Say About Survival

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Beth Reinke, a biologist and associate professor at Northeastern Illinois University, to uncover one of nature’s most intriguing mysteries: why painted turtles are painted. We dive into the evolutionary biology of animal coloration, exploring how pigments like carotenoids play critical roles in survival, signaling, and physiology.

Dr. Reinke breaks down what makes these turtles’ bright orange shells unique, how their colors might help them survive freezing winters and oxygen loss, and what this reveals about the connection between color, function, and adaptation in the wild.

Beyond the science, we also talk about the human side of research, the realities of failed experiments, the excitement of discovery, and how art and science intersect to inspire better biology education.

Whether you’re a student, biologist, ecologist, or nature enthusiast, this conversation blends storytelling, scientific insight, and field research into one fascinating deep dive into the evolution of color and life itself.

Watch the full episode below.