The early composition and evolution of the turtle shell (Reptilia, Testudinata)

The shell of the oldest true turtle (Testudinata) branch (Proterochersidae) from the Late Triassic (Norian) of Poland and Germany was built in its anterior and posterior part from an osteodermal mosaic which developed several million years after the plastron, neurals, and costal bones. The most detailed description of the shell composition in proterochersids thus far is provided together with a review of the shell composition in other Triassic pantestudinates, the scenario of early evolution of the turtle shell is proposed based on new data, and the possible adaptive meaning of the observed evolutionary changes is discussed. These observations are consistent with the trend of shell simplification previously reported in turtles. Several aspects of proterochersid shell anatomy are intermediate between O. semitestacea and more derived turtles, supporting their stem phylogenetic position. Three additional ossifications were sutured to xiphiplastra and pelvis in Proterochersis spp. and at le...