Ancient Plant Fossil Unveiled as Rare Baby Turtle Fossil

Two fossils discovered in Colombia and previously classified as a plant named Sphenophyllum colombianum have been revealed to be impressions of the inside of baby turtle shells. The fossils, dating back to the early Cretaceous period, were misidentified due to their resemblance to leaf veins. The discovery provides insight into the life cycle of ancient turtles and highlights the importance of re-examining fossil collections.