The ancestor of turtles came from south-west Germany

A spectacular fossil discovery in southern Germany has rocked the scientific community: Pappochelys, also known as the "grandfather of turtles," offers fascinating insights into the evolution of these unique reptiles. The approximately 240-million-year-old remains reveal that turtles once looked very different, and their development is a captivating story that is now being rewritten. Pappochelys might be the key to understanding the origin of the turtle's distinctive shell, potentially ending a long-standing debate in paleontology.

A Discovery of Global Significance

In 2015, a team of paleontologists near Stuttgart unearthed the fossil of a creature known as Pappochelys rosinae. The discovery was groundbreaking, as it filled a significant gap in the turtle evolutionary tree. Pappochelys lived about 240 million years ago during the Triassic period and is considered one of the oldest known ancestors of modern turtles.

What Makes Pappochelys Special?

Pappochelys, which translates to "grandfather turtle," offers fascinating insights into the evolution of turtles. Unlike today’s turtles, Pappochelys did not have a fully developed shell. Instead, it had ribs that were starting to form a primitive shell, along with belly-side bone plates that might have been precursors to the modern turtle's plastron (the lower part of the shell).

These features highlight how the turtle's shell evolved over millions of years, providing the species with an evolutionary advantage. The discovery of Pappochelys is invaluable, as it represents a transitional form that helps close the gaps in our understanding of turtle evolution.

The Importance of Baden-Württemberg

This discovery has established Baden-Württemberg as a significant site for paleontological findings. The region offers ideal conditions for the preservation of fossils and has already produced several important discoveries that enrich our understanding of Earth's history.

The discovery of Pappochelys in Germany also shows that the origins of turtles are not limited to tropical and subtropical regions. Instead, it reveals that these fascinating creatures have roots in diverse parts of the world.

Conclusion

Pappochelys is a fascinating fossil that helps us better understand the complex evolution of turtles. Its discovery in Baden-Württemberg underscores the importance of the region for paleontology and provides exciting insights into the development of these unique reptiles. Who would have thought that the ancestor of turtles could hail from the heart of Germany? This discovery invites us to look at the history of turtles with new eyes and appreciate the wonders of evolution.