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
_Dendrolagus._[75]—General proportions of limbs and body normal and
unlike those of other members of the family. Muffle broad and only partly
naked. Fur on nape, and sometimes on back, directed forwards. Fore limbs
nearly as large as the hind; hind feet with the syndactylous second and
third digits relatively large; claws of fourth and fifth hind digits
curved like those of the manus. Tail very long, and thickly furred. Skull
stout, with a short and wide muzzle; the posterior part of the palate
fully ossified, and the auditory bullæ not inflated. A small canine.
Fourth premolar large, but much shorter antero-posteriorly than in the
next genus; molars as in the latter.
This genus includes four species of Tree-Kangaroos, three of which occur
in New Guinea, while _D. lumholtzi_ is found in North Queensland. They
differ greatly from all the other forms in being chiefly arboreal in
their habits, climbing with facility among the branches of large trees,
and feeding on the bark, leaves, and fruit. They are confined to the
tropical forests of the regions mentioned; and it would appear that we
must regard their resemblance in the proportions of the limbs and habits
to the Phalangers as having been independently acquired.
_Dorcopsis._[76]—Hind limbs relatively less large than in _Macropus_.
Muffle large, broad, and naked. Ears small. Fur on nape directed wholly
or partially forwards. Hind claws not concealed by hair. Tail with a
nearly naked tip. Skull long and narrow, with the auditory bullæ not
inflated. A well-developed canine. First upper incisor somewhat short;
second and third nearly equal, notched externally. Fourth premolar
greatly elongated antero-posteriorly, its length generally exceeding the
united lengths of the first and second molars; a distinct inner ledge,
and vertical grooves on both sides. Molars low and rounded, with the
median longitudinal bridge between the ridges almost or quite aborted,
and the talon in front of the first transverse ridge very narrow, and not
extending to the inner side. The two series of cheek-teeth parallel, or
nearly so, instead of converging at the extremities.
Three species of this genus are known, all of which are from New Guinea;
the type being _D. muelleri_. In the characters of the dentition, the
forward inclination of the fur on the nape, and other points, this genus
is allied to _Dendrolagus_; but _Dorcopsis macleayi_ connects the other
species with _Macropus_.
_Lagorchestes._[77]—Muffle entirely or partially covered with hair.
Fourth hind digit with a long claw, not concealed by hair. Tail rather
short, evenly furred, without a spur. Skull with short muzzle and
diastema, and inflated auditory bulla. Canine present, sometimes very
small. Fourth premolar large, not constricted in the middle, with a
continuous inner ledge.
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