An introduction to the study of mammals living and extinctLydekker, Richard
Science
An introduction to the study of mammals living and extinct
Lydekker, Richard
Mammals
_Trichosurus._[56]—The members of the genus _Trichosurus_ are of
relatively large size, and are distinguished from _Phalanger_ by the
following characters. Ears more or less hairy behind. Relative lengths of
toes of fore feet in the order 4, 3, 2, 5, 1. Hair on the soles of the
hind feet beneath the heel, but not elsewhere. Tail thick, not tapering,
covered with bushy hair up to the extreme tip, which is naked, but with a
naked strip on the inferior surface in the distal third or half. A gland
on the chest. Dentition usually _i_ ³⁄₂, _c_ ¹⁄₀, _p_ ²⁄₂, _m_ ⁴⁄₄. Upper
incisors of nearly uniform length, the first much flattened in front.
Canine situated some distance behind the third upper incisor, which it
scarcely exceeds in size. Last premolar and molars very similar to those
of _Phalanger_.
The true Phalangers comprise two species, of which the best known is the
Vulpine Phalanger (_T. vulpecula_), so common in zoological gardens,
where, however, it is seldom seen, owing to its nocturnal habits. It is
of about the size and general build of a small fox, whence its name. In
the typical variety the colour is gray, with a yellowish white belly,
white ears, and a black tail. This variety is a native of the greater
part of the continent of Australia, but is replaced in Tasmania by the
closely allied Brown Phalanger (_var. fuliginosa_). Its habits are very
similar to those of the Yellow-bellied Flying-Phalanger (_Petaurus
australis_) described below, except that it is unable to take the flying
leaps of that animal. Like all the other phalangers, its flesh is freely
eaten both by the natives and the lower class of settlers.
_Pseudochirus._[57]—The genus _Pseudochirus_ agrees with the preceding
in the absence of a flying membrane, and presents the following leading
characters. Size large or medium. Fur comparatively short and woolly.
Ears medium or short, hairy behind, although seldom closely furred
over all this aspect. Claws medium. Fore toes subequal, the first two
distinctly opposable to the other three. Soles of feet naked, with large,
striated, round pads, and hair beneath the heels. Tail tapering, markedly
prehensile, with its distal third and the whole of the under surface
short-haired; tip naked underneath for a short distance. Four mammæ. No
gland on chest. Skull with larger nasals than in the preceding genera;
the posterior part of the palate in most cases fully ossified, and the
auditory bullæ generally somewhat inflated. Dentition (at most) _i_
²⁻³⁄₂, _c_ ⁰⁻¹⁄₀, _p_ ³⁄₃, _m_ ⁴⁄₄. Upper teeth nearly uniform in length,
but the first incisor distinctly longer than second. Upper premolars
variable. Molars with both inner and outer cusps distinctly crescentoid,
and recalling those of the Selenodont Artiodactyle Ungulates.
_Range._—Tasmania, Australia, and New Guinea.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account