Ninjemys

Ninjemys oweni
Temporal range: Pleistocene
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Family: Meiolaniidae
Genus: Ninjemys
Species: N. oweni
Synonyms
  • Meiolania oweni

Ninjemys oweni ("Owen's Ninja Turtle") was a large meiolaniid turtle from Pleistocene Queensland. It resembled its larger relative, Meiolania, save that the largest pair of horns on its head stuck out to the sides, rather than point backwards.

It was originally thought to be a member of the genus Meiolania, but, anatomical differences lead to its placement in a new genus, which was named in honor of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Like other meiolaniids, N. oweni is believed to have been an herbivore. Its weight is estimated at 200 kg.[1]

References

  1. ^ MacPhee, R.D.E. (editor), "Extinctions in near time: causes, contexts, and consequences (Advances in Vertebrate Paleobiology)," Springer, 1999. ISBN 978-0306460920. Page 251. Retrieved June 8, 2010

External links

Paleontology portal
Turtles portal