Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Triassic: Odontochelys
Ondontochelys was an ancient water turtle that lived in what is China today (all-about-reptiles.com 2010). This reptile is the oldest known ancestor to present day turtles and tortoises; however, it has many distinct differences from its present day descendents (all-about-reptiles.com 2010). Ondontochelys lacked a beak and had teeth in both upper and lower jaws (Wikipedia 2010). It also had an elongated head and tail. Though the most noticeable difference between this ancient turtle and the turtles of today is Ondontochelys lacked a complete shell (Wikipedia 2010). Ondontochelys only had the plastron, the bottom part of the shell, and had not yet developed the solid carapace (Wikipedia 2010). From these physiological traits, Ondontochelys got its name which literally translated to “toothed turtle with a half shell” (Wikipedia 2010).
The origin of Ondontochelys is debated among scientists. Many scientists believe that Ondontochelys developed from a previous water dwelling reptile (Stokstad 2008). Others on the other hand believe that Ondontochelys did in fact have a carapace, just not a boney one like today’s soft shelled turtles (Stokstad 2008). With that theory, it is hypothesized that Ondontochelys may have descended from a group of armored terrestrial turtles (Stokstad 2008). Regardless of its beginning, Ondontochelys is considered a transitional species to the present day turtles and tortoises (Wikipedia 2010).
(Wikipedia 2009).

Page by Chapin Hardy
Odontochelys. Photo from Wikipedia.com

All-about-reptiles.com. 2010. The Oldest Water Turtle: Odontochelys semitestacea. Accessed March 20, 2010

Stockstad E. 2008. Sea Change for Turtle Origins?. Science Now. Accessed March 22, 2010.

Wikipedia. 2010. Ondontochelys. Accessed March 22, 2010