Adocidae

Adocidae is an extinct family of turtles belonging to the order Testudines. They are characterized by their flattened shells and are primarily found in Cretaceous and Paleogene deposits in North America, Europe, and Asia. Adocidae represents a significant group in the evolutionary history of turtles, bridging the gap between more primitive forms and modern turtle lineages.

These turtles typically had a carapace (upper shell) and plastron (lower shell) that were relatively smooth and lacked the extensive ornamentation seen in some other turtle groups. The shell structure often exhibits features indicative of a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

Adocidae turtles are important for understanding the diversification of turtles during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. Their fossil record helps to clarify the relationships between different turtle groups and provides insights into the paleobiogeography of turtles across continents. Ongoing research on Adocidae continues to refine our understanding of turtle evolution and paleoecology.