First Fossil Gravid Turtle Provides Insight Into The Evolution Of Reproductive Traits In Turtles

Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 28 Aug 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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This study reports on the first fossil turtle with eggs preserved within the body cavity, as well as on one of the few known North American fossil turtle nests. These fossils belong to an extinct turtle called Adocus, and were found in 75 million year old rocks in Alberta, Canada. The specimens reveal that Adocus built its nests near rivers and laid large clutches of thick-shelled, hard, spherical eggs. Some of these features are also found among living turtles, and the fossils helped determine that the ancestor of most living turtles laid large clutches of hard-shelled eggs.

Royal Society journal Biology Letters

Biology Letters publishes short, innovative and cutting-edge research articles and opinion pieces accessible to scientists from across the biological sciences. The journal is characterised by stringent peer-review, rapid publication and broad dissemination of succinct high-quality research communications.

Biology Letters