New Fossil of the Oldest Proto Turtle, <i>Eunotosaurus</i> (IMAGE)
Caption
This is a new fossil of the oldest proto turtle, Eunotosaurus, discovered by then 8-year-old Kobus Snyman on his father's farm in the Karoo of South Africa suggest the turtle shell initially evolved not for protection, but rather as an adaptation for burrowing. The broadened ribs and the beginnings of the turtle shell provided Eunotosaurus with a stable base from which it could use its large hands and spatula shaped claws to burrow into the ground to escape the harsh arid environment found in South Africa 260 million years ago.
Credit
Tyler R. Lyson
Usage Restrictions
None
License
Licensed content