Archelon Research Papers

The archelon swam around Earth 75 million years ago and ruled the sea. In fact, they were the largest turtles ever, according to paleontologists. A 12 foot long turtle, and yet they were very gentle. They were a fascinating prehistoric reptile that swam around Earth in the late Cretaceous period with fossils that are found throughout some of the states in the U.S. The archelon was a powerful, but a majestic creature from its time. They have a shell that you wouldn’t see on a regular turtle you find in your backyards. Most turtles you see now have hard shells that protect them from harm's way. Instead of having a regular hard shell, they had a soft shell much like the modern day sea turtle, leatherback. The shell was made up of thin, but tough rubbery skin with thousands of tiny bones that were used to strengthen it (Dr. Mckenna). This amazing creature is the largest turtle to ever be found. A12 feet long sea turtle and it still wasn’t the biggest creature in the sea (Britannica). Archelon meant “ruling turtle” in Greek, which this animal is known for ruling the seas during this time (Gale Research).

For about 10 million years, the archelon was around. Paleontologists think that the fossils were from 75-65 million years ago (Gale Research). In addition, it took place in the late cretaceous period, in the Mesozoic Era (Mckenna). Another thing, paleontologist said they found some fossils throughout Wyoming, South Dakota, and Kansas here in America (Mckenna). The fossils of the archelon show that they had long finger-like bones that held the legs and arms up. The shell was a bunch of tiny bones that protected the organs that kept the archelon alive. Therefore, the archelon bones did them plenty