The anatomy, paleobiology, and evolutionary relationships of the largest extinct side-necked turtle
Edwin‐Alberto Cadena, Torsten M. Scheyer, Jorge D. Carrillo-Briceño, R.D. Sánchez, Orangel Aguilera, Andrés Vanegas, Mauricio Pardo Jaramillo, Dennis M. Hansen, Marcelo R. Sánchez‐Villagra
Abstract
. The new specimens greatly increase knowledge of the biology and evolution of this iconic species. Our findings suggest the existence of a single giant turtle species across the northern Neotropics, but with two shell morphotypes, suggestive of sexual dimorphism. Bite marks and punctured bones indicate interactions with large caimans that also inhabited the northern Neotropics.
Topics & Concepts
PaleobiologyTurtle (robot)BiologyZoologyGeographyEvolutionary biologyAnatomyPaleontologyEcologyPaleontology and Evolutionary BiologyTurtle Biology and ConservationEvolution and Paleontology Studies