Sunday, July 24, 2016

Learning more about how the turtles shell evolved and why.






Scientists are finding out that the tortoise shell evolved for burrowing purposes not protection.
With the discovery of a fossil that predates others by 5 million years they are learning more about the function of the plastron and carapace. Follow the link below to learn all about it.

Below is a link to an older article that explains the importance of this fossil which was found in
2008. It had a fully formed plastron but the carapace was only partially developed. Perhaps the softshell turtle is the last remnant of this prehistoric ancestor.






With the evolution of the turtle shell it became what we see today on most chelonians. They are the only animal that has its ribs fused to the shell. With this change they could no longer breathe expanding the lungs. Below is an article discussing how turtles and tortoises breathe.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141107091449.htm

Hope you enjoy these articles that offer yet more insight to the wonder that is the turtle!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.