Linderochelys rinconensis (Testudines: Pan-Chelidae) from the Upper Cretaceous of northern Patagonia: New insights from shell bone histology, morphology and diagenetic implications

Abstract

The panchelid turtle Linderochelys rinconensis de la Fuente, Calvo and González Riga, 2007 was described on the basis of several postcranial elements from the Rio Neuquén Subgroup of Loma del Lindero site, near Rincon de los Sauces (Neuquén, Argentina). New preparation of the type material revealed new parts of the animal, including cervical vertebrae, parts of the carapace and a right tibia. The study of the newly recovered material herein improves our knowledge of the macroanatomy of this taxon. The first costal shows an axillary buttress similar to Australasian chelids and the cervical vertebrae morphology suggests a short-necked chelid condition. The re-examination of the type material of Linderochelys and the discovery of new material allowed new studies on microanatomy, osteohistology and diagenesis. Osteohistology suggests some similarities with Patagonian Cretaceous and Palaeocene Yaminuechelys, based on the presence of parallel-fibred bone in the external cortex and a much thinner internal cortex. Paleoecological studies on the proportions of forelimbs and microanatomy point towards aquatic or semi-aquatic habits, closely related to the condition seen in some extant South American chelids, such as Phrynops hilarii, Phrynops geoffroanus, and Mesoclemmys gibba. The fossil-diagenetic processes inferred substitution, fracturing, plastic deformation and permineralization events. Combined analyses through scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and petrographic studies revealed the substitution of hydroxyapatite by francolite. Permineralization stages include infilling of vascular canals, trabeculae and fractures with iron oxides and carbonate minerals during their burial history.