Fossil Turtle Manchurochelys from the Cretaceous with X-ray image €7.345

Turtle Manchurochelys from the Lower Cretaceous.

Manchurochelys is a key genus for understanding turtle evolution during the Early Cretaceous period, particularly in the context of Asian ecosystems. Here’s a more detailed look at its significance:

1. Geological Context
Fossils of Manchurochelys have been discovered primarily in northeastern China and Mongolia, areas rich in early vertebrate fossils. These regions during the Early Cretaceous were part of a lush environment that supported a variety of prehistoric species, including dinosaurs, early mammals, and reptiles. The Jehol Biota, a famous fossil site, is where many fossils, including Manchurochelys, have been found.

2. Physical Characteristics
While the fossil record for Manchurochelys isn’t complete, its remains suggest a relatively small turtle species, with a somewhat flatter shell than modern turtles. The shell is moderately thick, and the overall anatomy suggests adaptations for living in aquatic environments, though some features might have allowed it to be semi-aquatic.

- Shell (Carapace and Plastron): The carapace (upper shell) of Manchurochelys is oval and flattened, a common feature among early aquatic turtles.
- Limbs: The limbs appear to have been adapted for swimming, with webbed feet, similar to modern freshwater turtles.

3. Ecological Role
Manchurochelys is thought to have been part of a freshwater ecosystem, likely living in lakes, rivers, and marshes. It would have fed on small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and plants. This species was likely preyed upon by larger predators such as early crocodilians or carnivorous dinosaurs.

4. Evolutionary Importance
The study of **Manchurochelys** provides insight into the transition from early terrestrial turtles to more specialized aquatic forms. It shows how turtle anatomy was adapting to different environments and niches over time. The fossils of Manchurochelys are important in filling gaps between earlier turtle species from the Triassic and Jurassic periods and more modern Cretaceous turtles.

5. Fossil Discoveries
The most well-preserved fossils of Manchurochelys have been found in the Yixian Formation of China, dating back to approximately 125-120 million years ago. These fossils are often found alongside other notable species, such as early birds like Confuciusornis and feathered dinosaurs like Microraptor.

These fossils have been pivotal in refining our understanding of early turtle evolution in the Cretaceous period. Paleontologists continue to analyze these remains to determine more about their lifestyle, physiology, and evolutionary relationships with other ancient turtles.

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Age: Lower Cretaceous, 135 million years

Location: Asia

Size plate/fossil: L 47 cm; W 32 cm; H 2.5 cm; fossil L 40 cm; W 25 cm

Weight: 2.5 kg

Special feature: Conservation in excellent condition, very rare!

Certificate: Yes, X-rays also confirm the authenticity and the fantastic state of preservation

Shipping: Free Shipping Worldwide

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