A tortoise fossil is the preserved skeletal and shell remains of an ancient land tortoise, transformed into stone over millions of years through geological processes. The carapace (upper shell) and plastron (lower shell) are often well-preserved, showing the arrangement and texture of the scutes, reflecting the tortoise’s strong defensive adaptations. Some specimens also retain limb bones, vertebrae, and tail bones, highlighting their terrestrial lifestyle with robust legs and domed shells. Tortoise fossils hold significant value in paleontology, offering insights into evolutionary biology and aiding the reconstruction of ancient environments and ecosystems.