Mating Turtles Fossilized in the Act

[Swede]

German scientists have just reported an extraordinary discovery: the first known pairs of mating vertebrate fossils.


And along with the thrill of a fossil first comes another possible breakthrough. The 47-million-year-old turtle remains offer clues to how a prehistoric lake became one of the world’s richest fossil troves.

"Just finding these couples is completely unique worldwide," lead study author Walter Joyce said. "There are no other vertebrate fossils to be found like this."

The turtle pairs were discovered in Messel Pit, a tropical lake turned Lagerstätten—paleontologist speak for a "really, really, really, spectacular place for fossils," according to Columbia University's Mark Norell.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/06/120621-fossils-turtles-mating-joyce-biology-letters-science/

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I should be so lucky

[Systematic Chaos]

2. Insert fossilized Cialis joke here....

[flamingdem]

3. Whaddawaytago

nt

[Speck Tater]

7. In case of an erection lasting more than 4 million years...

...consult a doctor immediately.

[ashling]

8. Good one

[Lint Head]

4. Oh no Fossil Porn!

[joe1991]

5. I am not happy

about the way this thread is demeaning to female turtles.

It's rather sad commentary on our society that so many parents let their 13 year old boys have aquariums in their bedrooms.

[Glassunion]

6. I thought

What happens in a Lagerstätten... Stays in a Lagerstätten.