Archelon ("ruling tortoise") is an impressive species of giant tortoise that inhabited Earth during the Cretaceous period, approximately 70-75 million years ago. It is known as one of the largest sea turtles that has ever existed, it is estimated that its total length could reach up to 4.5 meters, with a weight that could exceed 2,000 kilograms. This makes it one of the largest known sea turtles, even larger than the leatherback, which is the largest sea turtle in existence today.
One of Archelon's most notable features was its shell. This shell was extremely large and designed to provide it with protection in its marine environment. Archelon's carapace was made up of a series of bony plates called osteoderms, which fused together to form a rigid, resilient structure. Archelon's shell had a unique and distinctive shape, with a large opening in the center that allowed the turtle to breathe while in the water. This shell, together with its large size, provided it with an effective defense against marine predators of the time, such as large marine reptiles and sharks.
Archelon's limbs were also remarkable. It had four strong legs adapted for swimming, shaped like a paddle, which allowed it to move easily in the water. Its forelimbs were especially large and long, allowing it to move quickly and efficiently in its marine environment. Its hind legs were also large and powerful, giving it great ability to swim and maneuver in the water.
Archelon's head was another distinctive feature of this species. It had a large skull with a powerful jaw and sharp teeth. It is believed that it fed mainly on jellyfish and other marine invertebrates, using its strong jaw to crush its food. Archelon's head was also adapted for breathing air, as he needed to surface to breathe.
Archelon was a marine species that was distributed in what is now North America, especially in the areas that currently correspond to South Dakota and Nebraska, in the United States. It is believed that it was a migratory turtle that moved through the oceans in search of food and nesting places.
Although Archelon was a giant and powerful species, its disappearance millions of years ago remains a mystery. The exact cause of their extinction is unknown, but it is believed that factors such as changes in climate and food availability, as well as competition with other marine animals, could have triggered their disappearance as a genus.
The Model Pose represents an Archelon specimen eating on the crest of the reef.
Approximate measurements of the Archelon:
- Scale 1:60 - 58 x 48 x 40 mm H
- Scale 1:35 - 98 x 81 x 68 mm H
