EVIDENCE OF PREHISTORIC TURTLES ACROSS CRETACEOUS MINNESOTA

We report here preliminary research on the presence and diversity of turtle taxa across the varied formations of Late Cretaceous deposits within Minnesota. Despite Cretaceous turtle remains having been noted for more than a century in Minnesota, little research has been done to explore their record further. Early results suggest at least two different taxa from separate families. Most specimens represent partial carapace remains, but at least one partial limb bone has been recovered. Growth of the Western Interior Seaway led to alternate depositional environments between the northern and southern halves of Minnesota, which may influence their distribution and preservation.