Meiolania | 3D Dinopedia

Meiolania

Period of life:

16 million years ago – 3,000 years ago

Period:

Neogene period

Habitat:

Coasts

Taxonomy:

Reptiles

Height:

1 m

Countries:

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Meiolania (16 million years ago – 3,000 years ago)

Meaning of the name: “small wanderer”.

Meiolania is a genus of extinct turtles that inhabited Australia, New Caledonia, and several islands of Oceania. These animals lived during the latter half of the Cenozoic Era, beginning in the mid-Miocene (about 16 million years ago). However, their remains are most numerous from the Pleistocene (2.5 million – 11.7 thousand years ago). It is believed that the last representatives of this genus became extinct only a few thousand years ago, and some evidence suggests they may have survived until as late as 500 AD, although this data is considered doubtful.

Meiolania was a true giant among turtles. The length of its shell reached two meters, and the total body length, including the head, neck, and tail, could exceed three meters. This made it one of the largest terrestrial turtles of all time.

One of the most remarkable features of Meiolania was its shell. It was high and dome-shaped, with thick bony plates covering the animal’s back and sides. The surface of the shell was not smooth but was covered with a network of ridges and knobs, giving it an even more formidable appearance.

Another distinctive trait of Meiolania was its horns. At the back of its skull was a pair of massive, backward-curving horns resembling those of a cow. These horns could reach up to 70 centimetres in length. Scientists still debate their function. They may have served as protection against predators, as a display of strength before rivals during the mating season, or even as a tool for digging into the ground in search of food.

The skull of Meiolania was massive and robust, with powerful jaws. It lacked teeth but had a strong beak that allowed it to cut through tough vegetation. Its legs were short and strong, adapted for movement on land. The tail was long and flexible, reinforced with a series of bony rings covered in spikes. At the end of the tail was a bony club, resembling the tail weapon of ankylosaurs. Meiolania not only relied on its shell and spikes for protection but also used sound signals to deter enemies. Scientists believe that these turtles could produce loud, growl-like sounds to scare away predators.

Meiolania was a herbivorous animal. It fed on a variety of vegetation, including leaves, fruits, and grass.

The scientific importance of Meiolania lies in the fact that it represents a unique group of turtles that went extinct millions of years ago. Studying its remains helps scientists better understand the evolution of these animals and their role in ancient ecosystems.

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