Calcarichelys ('spur turtle' or 'thorn turtle')[1] is an extinct genus of protostegid turtle from the Late Cretaceous of the Selma Formation in Alabama, and possibly from Angola.[2][1][3][4] It contains only one species, C. gemma.[3][5]
| Calcarichelys Temporal range:
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|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | †Protostegidae |
| Genus: | †Calcarichelys Zangerl, 1953 |
| Type species | |
| Calcarichelys gemma Zangerl, 1953
| |
Discovery
editThe holotype specimen of Calcarichelys is known from Mooreville Chalk, Alabama.[1] More complete specimens are later described from same formation.[3] Another specimen that possibly belongs to Calcarichelys or related species is known from the Maastrichtian of Bentiaba, Angola.[4]
Description
editCalcarichelys is a small protostegid, with a carapace length of 25.3 cm (10.0 in).[3] It is probably closely related to Chelosphargis, as they share some characteristics.[1][3] Unlike Chelosphargis, Calcarichelys is characterized by thorn-like neural plates.[1][3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Zangerl, Rainer; Museum, Chicago Natural History (1953). The vertebrate fauna of the Selma Formation of Alabama. [Chicago, Ill.]: Chicago Natural History Museum.
- ^ "Mindat.org". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
- ^ a b c d e f Hooks, G. E. (1998-04-10). "Systematic revision of the Protostegidae, with a redescription of Calcarichelys gemma Zangerl, 1953". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 18 (1): 85–98. doi:10.1080/02724634.1998.10011036. ISSN 0272-4634.
- ^ a b Mateus, Octávio; Polcyn, Michael; Jacobs, Louis; Araujo, Ricardo; Schulp, A.; Marinheiro, João; Pereira, Bruno; Vineyard, Diana (2012-01-01). "Cretaceous amniotes from Angola: dinosaurs, pterosaurs, mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and turtles". V Jornadas Internacionales sobre Paleontolog'ia de Dinosaurios y su Entorno.
- ^ "Calcarichelys - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
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