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Giant South American River Turtle
Stupendemys geographica, a colossal Miocene turtle, boasted a shell over 3 meters long. This gentle giant thrived in South American wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants and small creatures, shaping its ecosystem's dynamics. Its immense size and unique adaptations make it a fascinating subject of paleontological study.
1145.0 kg
Weight
Length: 3.3 m
Size
Characteristics
Stupendemys geographica, an extinct giant freshwater turtle, roamed the rivers of South America during the Miocene epoch. Known for its massive carapace, reaching lengths of up to 3.3 meters, it inhabited lush wetland environments. Its diet likely included aquatic plants and small animals, playing a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Distribution Range of the Giant South American River Turtle
Stupendemys geographica, commonly known as the Stupendemys, is an extinct genus of giant freshwater turtle that was native to the northern part of South America. Its fossils have been predominantly found in the areas that are now Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, specifically within the Orinoco and Amazon basins.
Giant South American River Turtle's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
Stupendemys geographica inhabited tropical freshwater environments during the Miocene epoch. The climate during this period was warm and humid, which supported lush vegetation and a variety of aquatic ecosystems.
Ecological Niche
As a freshwater turtle, Stupendemys likely occupied a niche similar to that of modern large turtles, feeding on aquatic vegetation, fish, and other small water organisms. Its large size suggests it may have had few natural predators, which allowed it to thrive in the expansive river systems of its native region.
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