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Lot 8053

Fossil Soft Shell Turtle

4 December 2005, 11:00 PST
Los Angeles

Sold for US$35,250 inc. premium

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Fossil Soft Shell Turtle

Trionyx sp.
Eocene
Fossil Butte Member
Green River Formation, Wyoming

Turtles from the Green River Formation are rare and highly coveted by collectors. The present soft-shelled turtle specimen is particularly notable for its complete skull and its overall completeness, exhibiting approximately 98riginal bone. The example also displays a distinctive pathology of the caudal (rear) portion of the carapace (shell), most likely caused by a fungus, perhaps providing evidence of the cause of the individual’s death. All four feet are present; the hind legs are tucked up to the shell. The fine shell texturing distinguishes this species from other turtles of the Eocene. The genus Trionyx lived during the Cretaceous, survived the K-T extinction and still exists today, though smaller in size than its Eocene ancestor. Modern trionychid turtles are found in Africa, Asia, Malaysia and North America. Matrix measures 34 x 54in. Carapace measures 15 x 17 ½in. Length of specimen measures 30 ½in

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