Eunotosaurus, the first turtle.

2017-01-19 11:20:16

Eunotosaurus is a close relative of the first turtles. It is a stocky herbivorous lizard about a foot in length, with a short neck. Unlike modern turtles, it has teeth and no shell. The eye bones indicate that it is able to see in low light. The front legs are strong, with large claws. Their vertebrae, which in adults are fused to the ribs, are nearly identical in number, shape, and structure to those of some turtles. Also, like turtles, Eunotosaurus lacks Sharpey’s fibers on the leading edge of the ribs. These fibers serve to connect the ribs to the intercostal muscles, which serve for respiration.