Abstract
Paleontology Partial specimens of the extinct, nonmarine turtle Stupendemys geographicus have given paleontologists some indication of its truly massive size, but the biology and systematics of this species remained unclear. Cadena et al. found remains in La Tatacoa Desert in Colombia that set a size record for the largest known complete turtle shell—2.40 meters from neck to tail—and represent the first lower-jaw specimens from the Urumaco region since 1994. These data support the interpretation that there was only one giant erymnochelyin taxon that exhibited sexual dimorphism, with horns in males and hornless females. With this new information, researchers can construct a more complete picture of the predation, diet, geography, and ecology of this species. Sci. Adv. 10.1126/sciadv.aay4593 (2020).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
