Turtle

Fossil turtles are the preserved remains or traces of ancient turtle species, providing valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of these reptiles. Turtles are one of the oldest reptile groups, with origins dating back over 200 million years. Fossil turtles can be found on every continent except Antarctica, with a wide range of sizes and shapes. Some ancient turtles had shells that were much different from those of modern turtles, including some with shell openings at the front or sides. Fossil turtles are important in understanding the evolution of shell structures and other anatomical features in turtles. They also provide clues about past environments and climates, as turtles are sensitive to changes in temperature and habitat. Studying fossil turtles helps scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand the broader patterns of reptile evolution.