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New 50-Million-Year-Old Sea Turtle Fossil Found in Syria

9/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists identified a new fossil sea turtle species, Syriemys lelunensis, in Syria, dating back 50 million years.
This is the first vertebrate species formally described from Syria, found near Afrin.
The discovery includes a well-preserved internal shell cast and parts of pelvic bones and hind limbs.
Researchers dated the fossil using foraminifera from surrounding rock.
The find may indicate the Stereogenyini group's origin in the Mediterranean.

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Story summary

Scientists identified a new fossil sea turtle species, Syriemys lelunensis, in Syria, dating back 50 million years.
This is the first vertebrate species formally described from Syria, found near Afrin.
The discovery includes a well-preserved internal shell cast and parts of pelvic bones and hind limbs.
Researchers dated the fossil using foraminifera from surrounding rock.
The find may indicate the Stereogenyini group's origin in the Mediterranean.