lowiana

Lowiana is an extinct genus of turtles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago. The name Lowiana was first introduced by French paleontologist Maxime Barsbold in 1973. It was discovered in the Gobi Desert, a region known for its rich fossil record of Mesozoic dinosaurs and turtles.

The fossil remains of Lowiana were initially attributed to the genus "Adocus", but subsequent studies revealed distinct characteristics that differed from the previously known species. This led to the establishment of Lowiana as a new genus. Lowiana specimens have been found in the Djadeihin Khudaa Formation, a geological formation in the Gobi Desert.

Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Lowiana was a member of the superfamily Trionychoidea, which comprises modern-day soft-shelled turtles and their extinct relatives. Preliminary studies indicate that Lowiana likely belonged to the family Plrysididae, a group of extinct turtles that are also found in Asia. The morphology of Lowiana's shell and its variation in shell shape and size have provided valuable insights into the evolution of turtles.

More research is required to fully understand Lowiana's evolutionary relationships, dietary habits, and habitat preferences. The study of Lowiana and other extinct turtle species plays an essential role in the broader field of paleontology, helping us to reconstruct the early history of marine reptiles and their diversity during the Cretaceous period.