Odontochelys semitestacea

Period of life:

220 million years ago

Period:

Triassic period

Habitat:

Marine environment

Taxonomy:

Turtles and tortoises

Height:

0.04 m

Countries:

Triassic period Odontochelys semitestacea | 3D Dinopedia

Odontochelys semitestacea (220 million years ago)

Meaning of the name: Derived from the Greek words οδοντωτή (toothed) and χελώνα (turtle), translating to "toothed turtle".

Odontochelys might be among the most unusual animals of the Mesozoic era. They existed in the late Triassic in what is now China, near Guanling. This reptile differs from its modern descendants in several key characteristics, which allows it to be perceived as a "transitional link". This makes it particularly interesting for paleontologists.

Odontochelys was small in size: up to 40 centimeters long, including a tail that was record-breaking for prehistoric turtles. Consider this: the length of the turtle's body did not exceed 20 cm. Moreover, Odontochelys possessed several unique traits, including partially developed ventral plates instead of a full carapace, which is present in modern turtles. This indicates that either the process of carapace formation was still developing, or it had atrophied due to adaptation to a marine lifestyle, which could have increased maneuverability and swimming speed.

This remarkable creature had a beak similar to modern turtles, but also had teeth in its mouth, which fundamentally distinguishes it from its modern descendants! These teeth helped it chew food, as unlike its descendants, Odontochelys did not use horny plates. This attests to the omnivorous nature of its diet: Odontochelys could feed on both algae and small invertebrates. Odontochelys could inhabit both the sea and freshwater bodies, such as large river deltas.

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