Meiolania the giant turtle of ancient Australia
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Meiolania was one of the most extraordinary turtles ever to exist. These giants survived for millions of years and vanished only a few thousand years ago. Its shell could reach two meters long, while the total body length exceeded three meters. The skull bore massive horns up to 70 cm long, and the tail ended with a spiked bony club, much like an ankylosaur.
Although herbivorous, Meiolania looked like a living fortress. A dome-shaped shell, horns, and spikes made it nearly invincible, while some researchers suggest it could produce loud growl-like sounds to scare off predators. Fascinatingly, its remains were found not only in Australia but also on Oceania islands, raising the mystery of how these giant turtles got there.
Discover the “small wanderer,” a horned turtle with a clubbed tail, now inside 3D Dinopedia.
Although herbivorous, Meiolania looked like a living fortress. A dome-shaped shell, horns, and spikes made it nearly invincible, while some researchers suggest it could produce loud growl-like sounds to scare off predators. Fascinatingly, its remains were found not only in Australia but also on Oceania islands, raising the mystery of how these giant turtles got there.
Discover the “small wanderer,” a horned turtle with a clubbed tail, now inside 3D Dinopedia.
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