Oldest Fossil Evidence of Lepidochelys Turtle Found in Panama: Uncovering the Evolutionary History and Ancient DNA

2023-10-05 03:10:00
Hamburger 5 Oct. 2023 10:10 a.m. Share news column Currently, there are only 7 species of sea turtles on our planet. Two of these species are in the genus Lepido chelys: the olive ridley and the Kemp’s ridley, although they are the most common sea turtle species in the Caribbean and elsewhere. But little is known about their history or evolution. Most recently, a fossilized turtle shell was found on the Caribbean coast of Panama. It has been identified as the oldest fossil evidence of a Lepidochelys turtle ever found. A team of paleontologists from Rosario National University in Colombia and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama said the discovery of fossils in the Chagres Formation indicates that the turtle had. Life existed about 6 million years ago in Panama. Late Miocene period It is a time when the earth starts to get colder and drier. There is ice accumulation at the poles. Sea levels have dropped and rainfall has decreased. The discovery may shed more light on the evolutionary history of this genus. However, paleontologists have not yet identified the species. Because its remains were not in perfect condition. And in addition to finding the earliest evidence of Lepidochelys, researchers also discovered something unexpected in the turtle’s shell fossil. That is, traces of genetic material, or ancient DNA. The team revealed that DNA is normally quite perishable. But in some of the bone cells of this turtle’s shell The cell nucleus is preserved. and when reacting with chemical solutions It helped researchers find the existence of DNA. which is a molecule that carries genetic information to further develop and create the functioning of living things. divmargin:0 -15px;@media (max-width:767.98px).css-x9zhmpwidth:100vw;max-width:inherit;margin:30px -15px;]]>
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