Shell biomechanics suggests an aquatic palaeoecology at the dawn of turtle evolution.

ABSTRACT: The turtle shell is a remarkable structure that has intrigued not only evolutionary biologists but also engineering and material scientists because of its multi-scale complexity and various functions. Although protection is its most apparent role, the carapace and plastron are also related to many physiological functions and their shape influences hydrodynamics and self-righting ability. As such, analysing the functional morphology of the shell could help understanding the ecology of Triassic stem-turtles, which will contribute to the century-long debate on the evolutionary origins of turtles. Here, we used 3D imaging techniques to digitize the shells of two of the earliest stem-turtle taxa, Proganochelys and Proterochersis, and submitted their models to biomechanical and shape analyses. W

SUBMITTER: Ferreira GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11411134 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature