A possible chelonian egg from the Brazilian Late Cretaceous

Abstract

This paper describes a possible fossil egg proceeding from the Bauru Group, Late Cretaceous of Paraná Basin, Brazil. External morphology, dimensions, texture and shell ornamentation examined under electron microscopy show close resemblance to the Recent podocnemidid chelonian eggs. Association with bony material in the outcrop suggests that it is related to a species of Podocnemis. Computerized tomography reveals a high density outer region corresponding to the shell component layers, and successive layers with decreasing density towards the nucleus. An area of high density in the central region may represent remains of an embryo.