# Morphological and Radiologic Features of the Skull of a Juvenile Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas, Linnaeus, 1758) from Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies

## TL;DR

This paper describes the skull anatomy of a juvenile green sea turtle from Saint Kitts and Nevis, highlighting features related to herbivory and growth patterns.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed morphological and radiological analysis of a juvenile green turtle skull from a specific geographic location.

## Key findings

- The juvenile green turtle skull shows three main regions: neurocranium, splanchnocranium, and mandible.
- Morphometric data suggest the skull is about 40% of adult size with posterior growth preceding anterior growth.
- Features like the lacrimal foramen and U-shaped jaw indicate herbivorous adaptation.

## Abstract

A comprehensive anatomical and radiological analysis of the skull of a juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Saint Kitts and Nevis is presented. Three primary cranial regions are identified: the neurocranium, splanchnocranium, and mandible. Notable features include the lacrimal foramen and a U-shaped jaw, which are indicative of herbivorous adaptation. Morphometric data indicate that the juvenile specimen has likely reached approximately 40% of adult size, with growth patterns suggesting that the posterior braincase may develop ahead of the anterior part of the skull region. However, further evidence would help confirm this sequence.

The skull of a juvenile Chelonia mydas from the beaches of Saint Kitts and Nevis is described using high-resolution photographs and multi-angle radiographs to document the main cranial structures. Standard veterinary anatomical terminology was used, and osteometric measurements were obtained and compared with published data on adult individuals. The investigated juvenile green turtle skull comprises three main regions: the neurocranium, splanchnocranium, and mandible. Noteworthy features include a paired premaxilla at the snout tip, a prominent L-shaped maxilla forming much of the upper jaw, and a robust parietal bone at the skull’s apex. Additional observations include the presence of a lacrimal foramen and a distinct crest on the exoccipital bone. As the study is constrained by reliance on a single juvenile specimen, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary rather than as strong indicators of the population. Morphometric data suggest the juvenile skull reaches about 40% of adult size. Measurements show somewhat greater growth in the posterior region than in the anterior region, which might imply later development or changes in the feeding structures of the skull. Overall cranial proportions remain consistent during growth. Because the metrical study relies on a single juvenile specimen, findings should be interpreted as preliminary rather than as strong indicators of the population. These results, combined, may serve as an entry point for future taxonomic, evolutionary, and clinical research, as comprehensive anatomical knowledge of both local and migratory species, such as Chelonia mydas, is essential for conservation initiatives, veterinary diagnostics, and the study of adaptive morphological changes in isolated island ecosystems.