Gilmoremys | |
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Scientific classification![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Testudines |
Suborder: | Cryptodira |
Family: | Trionychidae |
Subfamily: | †Plastomeninae |
Genus: | †Gilmoremys Joyce & Lyson,2011 |
Species | |
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Gilmoremys is anextinctgenus ofsoftshell turtle which lived during the lateCretaceous (Maastrichtian stage) ofNorth Dakota,Montana andWyoming, United States.
Gilmoremys is known from fiveskulls, amandible and an incomplete postcranialskeleton. Theholotype ofG. lancensis,USNM 6727, consists of a nearly completecarapace and an isolated hyoplastral fragment, was first assigned to the speciesAspideretes lancensis. Many additional specimens were later discovered includingcranial remains, and the material was assigned to its own genus,Gilmoremys. It was found from theHell Creek Formation and from theLance Formation (only the holotype). It was first named by Walter G. Joyce and Tyler R. Lyson in2011 and thetype species isGilmoremys lancensis. The generic name honors Dr.Charles W. Gilmore.[1] A second species,G. gettyspherensis, is known from the late CampanianFruitland Formation of New Mexico.[2]
Juveniles of this species have narrow skulls, a narrow processus trochlearis oticum, a deep and narrow median palatal groove, low accessory ridges, and a secondary palate fully formed by the maxilla, skeletally mature individuals have notably broad skulls, a broad processus trochlearis oticum, a shallow but broad median palatal groove, high accessory ridges, and a substantial contribution of the vomer to the secondary palate. Two large trionychid skulls and isolated shell pieces have been discovered in deposits of theHell Creek Formation exposed inCarter County, Montana, southeastern Montana. The skulls are noticeably larger than those previously discovered and differ in their overall form by being significantly broader. Detailed analysis reveals that the new skulls and shell fragments correspond with changes in overall form representing an ontogenetic shift towards the adult morphology of this species.[3]
Cladogram after Joyce & Lyson, 2011:[1]