Simple shell measurements do not consistently predict habitat in turtles: a reply to Lichtig and Lucas (2017)
Peer Community Journal,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
5
Published: Jan. 2, 2025
Inferring
palaeoecology
for
fossils
is
a
key
interest
of
palaeobiology.
For
groups
with
extant
representatives,
correlations
aspects
body
shape
ecology
can
provide
important
insights
to
understanding
extinct
members
lineages.
The
origin
and
ancestral
turtles
debated
various
shell
or
limb
proportions
have
been
reported
correlate
habitat
among
turtles,
such
that
they
may
be
informative
inferring
the
fossil
including
early
shelled
stem
turtles.
One
recently
described
method
proposes
simple
measurements
effectively
quantify
doming
plastron
width
differentiate
classes
in
linear
discriminant
analysis,
whereby
aquatic
low
domed
shells
narrow
plastra.
respective
study
unorthodox
predictions
lifestyles
turtle
Proganochelys
quenstedtii
meiolaniform
Meiolania
platyceps,
terrestrial
habits
Proterochersis
robusta.
Here,
we
show
these
published
results
are
consequence
questionable
methodological
choices
as
omission
species
data
which
do
not
conform
preconceived
shape-ecology
association.
When
reversed,
corrected,
phylogenetic
flexible
analysis
applied,
cannot
correctly
predicted
based
on
measurements.
This
invalidates
well
proposed
palaeohabitats
fossils.
Language: Английский
The first neuroanatomical study of a marine pleurodire (the large Paleocene bothremydid Azzabaremys moragjonesi) reveals convergences with other clades of pelagic turtles
Fossil record,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
28(1), P. 1 - 15
Published: Jan. 3, 2025
Azzabaremys
moragjonesi
,
from
the
Paleocene
of
Mali,
is
a
member
Nigeremydini.
This
clade
bothremydid
pleurodiran
turtles
that
includes
large
putatively
marine
forms
which
inhabited
African
Trans-Saharian
Seaway
Maastrichtian
to
Paleocene.
work
represents
first
neuroanatomical
reconstruction
putative
sea
pleurodire.
Some
modifications
observed
for
differ
those
in
other
lineages
Bothremydidae
these
structures
have
been
documented,
corresponding
freshwater
instead
pelagic
forms.
In
fact,
primitive
condition
Pleurodira
adaptation
environments,
as
case
with
all
extant
representatives,
but
also
most
documented
extinct
The
neuroanatomy
shows
convergences
members
Pan-Cryptodira
adaptations
environments
(i.e.,
Chelonioidea,
including
Cheloniidae
and
Dermochelyidae),
clades
exclusive
fossil
record
several
Mesozoic
Palaeogene
uncertain
affiliations:
Plesiochelyidae,
Sandownidae,
Protostegidae).
Thus,
aspects
such
position
geniculate
ganglion
into
canalis
cavernosus,
absence
an
anterior
vidian
canal
piercing
pterygoid,
possession
wide
semicircular
canals
endosseous
labyrinth,
well
possible
presence
enlarged
lacrimal
glands,
are
recognized
here
convergent
developed
Cryptodira,
affiliations,
response
environments.
Language: Английский
The first neuroanatomical study of a marine pleurodire (the large Paleocene bothremydid Azzabaremys moragjonesi) reveals convergences with other clades of pelagic turtles
Fossil record,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
28(1), P. 1 - 15
Published: Jan. 3, 2025
Azzabaremys
moragjonesi
,
from
the
Paleocene
of
Mali,
is
a
member
Nigeremydini.
This
clade
bothremydid
pleurodiran
turtles
that
includes
large
putatively
marine
forms
which
inhabited
African
Trans-Saharian
Seaway
Maastrichtian
to
Paleocene.
work
represents
first
neuroanatomical
reconstruction
putative
sea
pleurodire.
Some
modifications
observed
for
differ
those
in
other
lineages
Bothremydidae
these
structures
have
been
documented,
corresponding
freshwater
instead
pelagic
forms.
In
fact,
primitive
condition
Pleurodira
adaptation
environments,
as
case
with
all
extant
representatives,
but
also
most
documented
extinct
The
neuroanatomy
shows
convergences
members
Pan-Cryptodira
adaptations
environments
(i.e.,
Chelonioidea,
including
Cheloniidae
and
Dermochelyidae),
clades
exclusive
fossil
record
several
Mesozoic
Palaeogene
uncertain
affiliations:
Plesiochelyidae,
Sandownidae,
Protostegidae).
Thus,
aspects
such
position
geniculate
ganglion
into
canalis
cavernosus,
absence
an
anterior
vidian
canal
piercing
pterygoid,
possession
wide
semicircular
canals
endosseous
labyrinth,
well
possible
presence
enlarged
lacrimal
glands,
are
recognized
here
convergent
developed
Cryptodira,
affiliations,
response
environments.
Language: Английский
Paleoherpetology and The Anatomical Record
The Anatomical Record,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: March 17, 2025
The
field
of
paleontology
has
long
been
dominated
by
charismatic
species,
such
as
ever-imposing
dinosaurs
and
intriguingly
anthropomorphic
primates.
However,
alongside
each
dinosaur
primate
lived
a
variety
other
fossil
often
smaller
reptiles,
which
typically
receive
dramatically
less
public
scientific
attention.
Nevertheless,
paleoherpetology,
the
study
reptiles
(typically
used
to
refer
non-dinosaurian
fauna),
provides
an
important
framework
for
understanding
broader
context
past
ecosystems.
Over
several
years,
paleoherpetological
studies
have
subject
considerable
number
articles
in
Anatomical
Record
(AR).
In
this
special
issue
Record,
we
celebrate
paleoherpetology.
Specifically,
volume
brings
together
collection
papers
on
topics
ranging
from
crocodyliforms
turtles
lizards.
skillfully
Guest
Edited
two
experts
Drs.
Adán
Pérez-García
Francisco
Ortega
(Figure
1).
is
researcher
at
Evolutionary
Biology
Group
National
University
Distance
Education
(UNED,
Madrid,
Spain),
Senior
Lecturer
("Profesor
Titular
de
Universidad")
Faculty
Sciences
that
University.
His
main
research
evolutionary
history
turtles,
both
European
forms
taxa
related
them
inhabited
continents,
especially
Africa.
He
currently
active
Cenozoic
while
he
also
continues
work
with
Mesozoic
taxa,
sites
reptiles.
participated
projects
involve
analysis
reptile
faunas,
Mesozoic,
primary
more
than
10
projects,
involving
researchers
various
countries
continents.
director
paleontological
excavation
campaigns,
author
150
300
conference
presentations.
described
35
new
genera
species
most
but
crocodiles
sauropterygians.
Professor
UNED
(Madrid)
Principal
Investigator
Research
UNED,
focusing
particularly
dinosaurs,
along
their
authored
over
100
publications
technical
journals,
primarily
concentrating
Upper
Jurassic
Portugal,
well
Lower
Cretaceous
Paleogene
Spain.
Furthermore,
contributed
development
museum
museographic
efforts
extend
Spain,
Niger,
Argentina,
participation
nearly
excavations
twenty
national
international
projects.
We
wish
express
our
sincere
thanks
excellent
issue.
first
true
appeared
record
around
320
million
years
ago
since
undergone
dramatic
diversification
evolution.
Unique
anatomical
adaptations
allowed
paleoherp
fauna
survive
Cretaceous-Paleogene
(K-Pg)
extinction
event
wiped
out
non-avian
dinosaurs.
AR
many
findings.
This
introductory
editorial
will
briefly
report
some
significant
prior
volumes
AR.
2022,
published
its
second
largest
ever,
"The
Age
Crocodilians
kin:
Their
anatomy,
physiology
evolution"
(Holliday
&
Schachner,
2022;
Laitman
Smith,
2022).
Special
Issue
began
early
Triassic
crocodylomorphs
(Bestwick
et
al.,
2021;
Melstrom
Parker
Ruebenstahl
von
Baczko
2021)
extended
through
radiation
during
rest
(Bowman
Cowgill
Dumont
Jr.
2020;
Fernandez
Herrera,
Nieto
Wilberg
2021).
Finally,
it
concluded
presenting
into
crocs
(Brochu
Pochat-Cottilloux
2023,
resulting
2022
Turtle
Evolution
Symposium
(TES)
(Smith
Laitman,
2023;
Sterli
Vlachos,
2023).
TES
regular
studying
different
aspects
origin
evolution
until
recent
times.
Topics
relating
ranged
osteohistology
(Guerrero
Pérez-García,
Pereyra,
2023)
neuroanatomy
(Martín-Jiménez
Smith
descriptions
(Brinkman
Gentry
Joyce
Maniel
Vlachos
documenting
turtle
occurrences
(Boneta
Jiménez
Saltsidou
A
paleohistology
pseudosuchians
yielded
exciting
papers.
models
estimate
body
mass
(Woodward
2024)
review
across
Pseudosuchia
(Scheyer,
2024).
addition
Issues,
recently
numerous
standalone
Studies
focused
amphisbaenian
squamates
(Salvino
2024),
materials
lizards
(Loreal
New
crocodyliform
(Noto
2019),
ontogeny
baurusuchids
(dos
Martins
Santos
Papers
variation
extant
morphology
relation
(Evers
Hermanson
2024;
Miller
discussed
among
(Adrian
Tooth
replacement
mesosaurs
(Carlisbino
Modern
studied
way
interpret
(e.g.,
Allemand,
Abdul-Sater,
López-Aguirre,
Maliuk
all,
provide
paleoenvironmental
information.
They
fill
missing
gaps
ecosystems
between
widely
mammals.
hope
you
enjoy
paleoherpetology
Issue.
Heather
F.
Smith:
Writing
–
original
draft;
investigation;
visualization;
conceptualization.
Jeffrey
T.
Laitman:
writing
editing.
Language: Английский
The Triassic turtle of Thailand – revision of ‘Proganochelys’ ruchae
PLoS ONE,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
20(3), P. e0316338 - e0316338
Published: March 19, 2025
True
turtles
(Testudinata)
appeared
in
the
Norian
(Late
Triassic)
and
quickly
attained
a
worldwide
distribution
relatively
high
diversity.
Their
remains
are
currently
known
from
that
time
Asia,
Europe,
North
America,
South
represent
at
least
three
separate
clades.
Whereas
generic
suprageneric
attribution
of
comparatively
well-preserved
studied
European
American
taxa,
such
as
Proganochelys
quenstedtii,
Proterochersis
robusta
porebensis,
Palaeochersis
talampayensis,
Waluchelys
cavitesta
sparks
no
controversy,
more
fragmentary
less
common
species
have
been
variably
considered
representatives
genera
or
referred
to
already
existing
ones
-
most
commonly,
Proganochelys.
This
uncertainty
is
unfortunate,
it
severely
muddles
picture
evolution,
diversity,
geographical
earliest
turtles.
One
problematic
species,
coming
Huai
Hin
Lat
Formation
Thailand,
was
described
1980s
ruchae.
However,
this
subsequently
put
into
question
recent
increase
available
Triassic
turtle
material
allows
remove
ruchae
new
genus,
Thaichelys
gen.
nov.,
place
clade
Proterochersidae,
together
with
spp.,
Keuperotesta
limendorsa,
Chinlechelys
tenertesta.
As
result,
genus
here
be
solely
central
Pangean
(modern-day
European)
taxon.
Moreover,
exhibits
some
respects
transitional
morphology
between
other
taxa
may
constitute
sister
taxon
grouping
spp.
limendorsa
Europe.
This,
turn,
considering
lack
Carnian
record
pantestudinates
outside
suggests
could
an
early
radiation
Proterochersidae
which
branched
off
before
Testudinata
dispersed
western
Pangea.
Language: Английский
Shell Constraints on Evolutionary Body Size–Limb Size Allometry Can Explain Morphological Conservatism in the Turtle Body Plan
Ecology and Evolution,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
14(11)
Published: Nov. 1, 2024
Turtles
are
a
small
clade
of
vertebrates
despite
having
existed
since
the
Late
Triassic.
have
conservative
body
plan
relative
to
other
amniotes,
characterized
by
presence
shell
and
quadrupedality.
This
morphology
is
even
retained
in
strong
ecological
specialists,
such
as
sea
turtles,
which
secondarily
adapted
marine
locomotion
allometric
scaling
their
hands.
It
possible
that
turtles
strongly
influenced
shell,
acting
constraint
achieving
greater
diversity
forms.
Here,
we
explore
evolutionary
relationships
fore-
hindlimb
stylopodia
(i.e.,
humerus
femur)
with
one
another
well
relationship
size
(carapace
length)
assess
evidence
constraint.
All
including
Triassic
shelled
stem
near-isometric
do
not
vary
between
clades,
evolve
at
slow
rates.
indeed
indicates
proportions
constrained
narrow
range
possibilities.
Minor
deviations
seen
highly
aquatic
softshell
modified
shells
bone
losses.
Our
regressions
allow
accurate
estimations
for
fossils.
Several
independent
turtle
lineages
converged
on
maximum
sizes
2.2
m
length,
may
be
biological
group.
Language: Английский
Growth and life history of freshwater chelydrid turtles (Testudines: Cryptodira): A bone histological approach
Journal of Anatomy,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Aug. 21, 2024
Abstract
The
current
study
examines
the
growth
pattern
and
lifestyle
habits
of
freshwater
snapping
turtles
Chelydra
Macrochelys
based
on
limb
bone
histology.
Femora,
humeri,
tibiae
25
individuals
selected
from
a
range
ontogenetic
stages
were
assessed
to
determine
inter‐element
intraskeletal
histological
variation.
Osteohistological
assessment
multiple
elements
is
consistent
with
overall
moderate
rates
as
revealed
by
dominance
parallel‐fibered
bone.
However,
was
cyclical
shown
deposition
lines
arrested
growths
in
compacta.
It
appears
that
tissue
C.
serpentina
more
variable
through
ontogeny
intermittent
higher
rates.
M
.
temminckii
grow
slowly
than
C
possessing
compact
thick
cortices
accordance
their
larger
size.
Overall,
vascularization
decreases
humeri
femora
being
well‐vascularized
both
species.
Contrarily,
epipodials
are
poorly
vascularized,
though
simple
longitudinal
radial
canals
present,
suggesting
differences
patterns
when
compared
associated
diaphyseal
sections.
found
be
least
remodeled
bones
therefore
better
suited
for
skeletochronology
turtles.
Intra‐elementally,
preserved
cortical
vascularity
ventrally,
suggestive
faster
relative
growth.
We
hypothesize
differential
may
relate
functional
constraints,
where
forelimbs
operational
swimming
while
hindlimbs
provide
stability.
Language: Английский