Permian to KT and Turtles

Diversification of Amniotes

Evolutionary spread of amniotes in various environments.

Permian Period

Era marked by rising reptiles and large herbivores.

Cynodont

Early mammal-like reptiles, ancestors of mammals.

Archosaur

Group including dinosaurs and modern birds.

Permian-Triassic Extinction

Mass extinction event, 90-95% marine species lost.

Vulcanism

Volcanic activity contributing to climate change.

Ocean Venting

Release of toxic gases affecting ozone layer.

Mesozoic Era

Age of dinosaurs, divided into Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous.

Pangaea Rifting

Separation of supercontinent into Laurasia and Gondwana.

Jurassic Period

Time frame from 215-135 million years ago.

Cretaceous Period

Time frame from 135-65 million years ago.

K-T Extinction Event

Catastrophic extinction, 60% of species lost.

Class Reptilia

Taxonomic class including turtles and other reptiles.

Order Testudines

Order encompassing all turtles.

Cryptodira

Turtles that retract neck vertically.

Pleurodira

Turtles that withdraw neck horizontally.

Shell Morphology

Structure and shape of turtle shells.

Aquatic Turtles

Turtles adapted for swimming, often with flippers.

Shell Structure

Complex arrangement of bones in turtle shells.

Eunotosaurus africanus

Early turtle ancestor with overlapping ribs.

Elongation of Vertebrae

Increased flexibility in turtle necks.

Rigid Rib Cage

Limits breathing, requires special respiratory muscles.

Thermoregulation

Ability to maintain body temperature through behavior.

Oviparous Reproduction

Egg-laying strategy with leathery-shelled eggs.

Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination

Sex of turtles influenced by incubation temperature.

Turtle Conservation

Efforts to protect turtles from extinction threats.

Bycatch

Accidental capture of non-target species in fishing.

Egg Exploitation

Illegal collection of turtle eggs for consumption.