Cannabaceae

Calcarichelys
Temporal range: Campanian–Maastrichtian
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Family: Protostegidae
Genus: Calcarichelys
Zangerl, 1953
Type species
Calcarichelys gemma
Zangerl, 1953

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]

Discovery

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The 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

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Calcarichelys 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

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ "Mindat.org". www.mindat.org. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "Calcarichelys - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2022-04-22.


One thought on “Cannabaceae

  1. Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
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