How the turtle's shell evolved (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

A newly discovered fossil from China has shed light on how the turtle's shell evolved.

The 220 million-year-old find, described in Nature journal, shows that the turtle's breast plate developed earlier than the rest of its shell.

The breast plate of this fossil was an extension of its ribs, but only hardened skin covered its back.

Researchers say the breast plate may have protected it while swimming.

The turtle fossil, found near Guangling in south-west China, is thought to be the ancestor of all modern turtles, although it differs markedly; it has teeth rather than a bony plate, the shell only covers its underside and it has a long tail.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7748280.stm

[msongs]

1. maybe the plate was used like a boogie board! :-) nt

[xchrom]

2. ok -- that is just the coolest thing ever. nt

[Seldona]

3. Could it be... SATAN?

lol

[The Sushi Bandit]

4. How the Turtle's Shell Evolved (it's not the way you might think)

A newly discovered fossil from China has shed light on how the turtle's shell evolved.

The 220 million-year-old find, described in Nature journal, shows that the turtle's breast plate developed earlier than the rest of its shell.

The breast plate of this fossil was an extension of its ribs, but only hardened skin covered its back.

Researchers say the breast plate may have protected it while swimming.

The turtle fossil, found near Guangling in south-west China, is thought to be the ancestor of all modern turtles, although it differs markedly; it has teeth rather than a bony plate, the shell only covers its underside and it has a long tail.

More at: http://current.com/items/89565593/how_the_turtle_s_shell_evolved_it_s_not_the_way_you_might_think.htm

[laconicsax]

5. Can this count as an 'transitional form' as Yahya/Oktar defines it?

A half turtle, half salamander?