The latest freshwater giants: a new Peltocephalus (Pleurodira: Podocnemididae) turtle from the Late Pleistocene of the Brazilian Amazon

Autor(es)

Ferreira, G. S. ; Nascimento, E. R. ; Cadena, E. A. ; Cozzuol, M. A. ; Farina, B. M. ; Pacheco, M. L. A. F. ; Rizzutto, M. A. ; Langer, M. C.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: BIOLOGY LETTERS; v. 20, n. 3, p. 7-pg., 2024-03-13.

Resumo

Overkill of large mammals is recognized as a key driver of Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions in the Americas and Australia. While this phenomenon primarily affected mega-mammals, its impact on large Quaternary reptiles has been debated. Freshwater turtles, due to the scarcity of giant forms in the Quaternary record, have been largely neglected in such discussions. Here we present a new giant podocnemidid turtle, Peltocephalus maturin sp. nov., from the Late Pleistocene Rio Madeira Formation in the Brazilian Amazon, that challenges this assumption. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses of the holotype, a massive partial lower jaw, reveal close affinities to extant Amazonian species and suggest an omnivorous diet. Body size regressions indicate Pe. maturin possibly reached about 180 cm in carapace length and is among the largest freshwater turtles ever found. This finding presents the latest known occurrence of giant freshwater turtles, hinting at coexistence with early human inhabitants in the Amazon. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 22/11586-5 - EMU Infraestrutura de Acervos e Coleções: aquisição de equipamentos para a instalação do Centro de Ciência do Patrimônio da USP
• Beneficiário: Márcia de Almeida Rizzutto
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Programa Infraestrutura - Acervos e Coleções
• Processo FAPESP: 20/07997-4 - Explorando a diversidade dos dinossauros do Cretáceo Sul-Americano e suas faunas associadas
• Beneficiário: Max Cardoso Langer
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático