Palaeotrionyx
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| Palaeotrionyx Fossil range: Paleocene |
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Palaeotrionyx ('dawn three-claw') is an extinct genus of cryptodire turtle from the Paleocene epoch, belonging to the extant softshell turtle family. It was about 45 cm (1 ft 6 in) long.
Palaeotrionyx, like its modern relatives, had no scutes on its carapace, which probably had leathery, pliable skin at the sides. Its feet sported only three digits—a typical trait of the family. Unlike its short-necked relatives, Palaeotrionyx had a long neck. Based on the diet of modern softshell turtles, it was an omnivore, which means it ate plant and animal matter.
