Archelon & Giant Prehistoric Sea Turtles

Button 1 - Protostega Gigas Skull

Resting before you is an impressive replica of a prehistoric sea turtle skull.  Prehistoric sea turtles swam the oceans about 75 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period. This species, Protostega gigas was truly a titan of the ocean, with flippers that could span up to 12 feet from tip to tip. That's as big as some small boats! Its massive size helped it travel long distances across the ancient seas.

Despite its formidable size, this species was a gentle giant, feeding mainly on jellyfish and other soft-bodied creatures. It did not have teeth but instead had a strong, sharp beak that could easily snap up slippery prey.

Imagine this giant turtle gliding slowly and gracefully through the deep ocean waters, a quiet observer of the bustling marine life around it. The oceans were a different world back then, filled with creatures that are long gone but continue to fascinate us through fossils like this.

Button 2 - Fossilized Turtle Eggs 

This is a collection of fossilized eggs from Stylemys nebrascensis. This creature was a terrestrial turtle, which means it lived on land and likely nested on solid ground. Like modern land turtles, it would have laid its eggs in nests dug into the soil. The eggs of terrestrial turtles, including Stylemys, were probably hard-shelled. Hard shells offered more protection against physical damages and desiccation, which is important in environments where the risk of drying out is higher than in aquatic settings. This differs greatly from the eggs of marine turtles, which are typically soft-shelled. The reproductive strategies of Stylemys nebrascensis and oceanic turtles like Archelon and Protostega gigas reflect adaptations to their respective environments.

Button 3 - Mosasaur Teeth

Mosasaurs were large, marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 66 to 98 million years ago. They are often thought of as the "T. rex of the sea" due to their formidable size and predatory nature. Here are some interesting facts about mosasaur teeth and their role in the mosasaur's life: Mosasaur teeth were conical and sharp, perfect for seizing and holding onto slippery prey like fish and squid. The teeth were set into the jaw in a way that allowed them to replace easily, which was beneficial as they often lost teeth due to their aggressive hunting style.