1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Dinosaurs

Archelon

By , About.com Guide

Archelon (Wikimedia Commons)

Name:

Archelon (Greek for "ruling turtle"); pronounced ARE-kell-on

Habitat:

Oceans of North America

Historical Period:

Late Cretaceous (75 million years ago)

Size and Weight:

About 12 feet long and 2 tons

Diet:

Squids and jellyfish

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Leathery shell; wide, paddlelike legs

About Archelon:

Dinosaurs weren't the only creatures that grew to jumbo sizes in the Cretaceous period. Archelon was the largest sea turtle that ever lived, about the size (and shape, and weight) of a classic Volkswagen. By comparison, the biggest Galapagos tortoises of today weigh a little over a quarter of a ton and measure about four feet long!

Archelon differed significantly from modern turtles in two ways. First, its shell wasn't hard, but leathery in texture, and was supported by a skeletal framework underneath; and second, it had unusually wide, flipperlike arms and legs. Today, its closest relative is the sea turtle known as the Leatherback.

Explore Dinosaurs

About.com Special Features

Dinosaur Discoveries of the Decade

The top 10 fossil discoveries between 2000 and 2010. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Dinosaurs
  4. Types of Dinosaurs
  5. Aquatic Reptiles
  6. Archelon - Dinosaur Archelon Characteristics, Behavior and Habitat>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.