In a remarkable blend of pop culture and prehistoric science, researchers in Colombia have unveiled the discovery of a nearly 13-million-year-old turtle fossil, which has been named in honour of Grammy Award-winning singer Shakira.
A Discovery in the Desert
The significant find was made in the La Victoria area of the Tatacoa desert, a region renowned as one of the world's most important palaeontological sites. Local farmers initially stumbled upon the fossilised skull and shell, which belong to a species now officially named Shakiremys Columbiana.
This ancient relic offers a fascinating window into the Miocene epoch, a period when the now-arid desert was a lush landscape filled with lakes and rivers. The details of the discovery were recently published in the respected scientific journal, Papers in Palaeontology.
Why Name a Fossil After Shakira?
Andres Felipe Vanegas, the director of the Tatacoa Natural History Museum, explained the reasoning behind the unique nomenclature. He confirmed that the decision to name the genus after the singer was twofold.
Firstly, the team are self-proclaimed huge fans of the artist. Secondly, they wished to acknowledge Shakira's immense stature within Colombia and her ongoing support for educational causes through her Pies Descalzos foundation.
"Just like Shakira is very special, this turtle is also very special," Vanegas added, highlighting the unique nature of the fossil.
Unlocking the Fossil's Secrets
Scientific analysis of the specimen has yielded intriguing insights. Examination of the turtle's shell indicated it was adapted to different water currents, suggesting a specific aquatic lifestyle.
Furthermore, a CT scan of the fossil's brain and ears revealed it possessed a 'mosaic of unique characteristics' for its group of turtles, marking it as a distinct and significant find for the scientific community.
This discovery is part of a series of recent palaeontological breakthroughs in Colombia. Earlier this summer, scientists found tooth marks on the fossil of a 13-million-year-old giant 'terror bird', indicating it may have been devoured by an even larger predator in a brutal battle.
With over 80 million records sold worldwide, Shakira's legacy now extends beyond music, forever etched into the annals of natural history with this ancient, shelled namesake.
