The first known Fossile of tortoise is of Proganochelys , a tortoise of fresh water much larger than the aggressive tortoises current which are the largest fresh water tortoises. One found fossils of this kind in Germany and in Thailand in layers dated from the higher Trias, is there are 210 My.

Description

One observes few differences with the modern tortoises with share which they measured nearly one meter, which their tails ended in a kind of bludgeon, their necks were protected by small spines, they could not return their head in their shell and one also notes differences on the level of the jaws like one arranged of palatine teeth vomériennes and ). It is thought that they were herbivorous.

Because of its characteristics considered as projections, the majority of the biologists estimate that Proganochelys does not form the taxon older tortoises. The paleontologists hope to still find tortoises older.

Systematic

Him several name was given: Chelytherium (“bestial tortoise”), Psammochelys (“sand tortoise”), Stegochelys (“tortoise of roof”) and Triassochelys (“tortoise of triassic”) until Proganochelys becomes, by popularity more used.

See too

External bonds

• American Museum off Natural History: Proganochelys
• Enchanted Learning Paleontology and Geology Glossary
• belated questions butt beaks
• animaldiversity

Sources

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