The Coal Measures Amphibia of North AmericaMoodie, Roy Lee
Science
The Coal Measures Amphibia of North America
Moodie, Roy Lee
Amphibians, Fossil -- North America; Paleontology -- Carboniferous; Paleontology -- North America
"A third and larger specimen was found by Professor Newberry during the
field season of 1874. It includes an oblique view of one side, and the
top of the cranium from the posterior part of the orbits to the end of
the muzzle, with the corresponding part of the alveolar region of the
dentary bone, with teeth. The bones of the skull appear to have been
rather light, and though the surface is irregular, the sculpture consists
only of shallow impressions of varying size and intervals. The orbits are
also badly defined, but appear to have been large, and separated by a
narrow frontal bone. The premaxillary bone is preserved, and shows clearly
the sutures that separate it from its fellow and from the maxillary. A
large foramen--perhaps the nostril--separates it from the maxillary, so
that it forms an irregular crescent. It supports two teeth, of which the
anterior is the larger, but there were perhaps others in advance, as the
alveolar border is imperfect towards the end of the muzzle. The anterior
two teeth of the maxillary bone are followed by a strong groove which
rises towards the sides of the muzzle. At first sight this gives the
impression of the maxillo-premaxillary suture, and makes it appear that
both the premaxillary bones are preserved, and that the foramen above
described separates the premaxillary spines, instead of representing the
nostril. The cutting edges of the teeth of these bones have, however, one
direction, whence they represent one side of the cranium only; were both
sides represented, the directions of the tooth axes would be reversed.
"The premaxillary and maxillary teeth exhibit a cutting edge on the outer
posterior margin of the distal half; the base of the crown is subround
in section. The line-like grooves are distinct but not numerous, their
intervals measuring 75 mm. Beyond them the enamel is smooth. The second
maxillary tooth is larger than the first, which is equal to the last
premaxillary. The third and fourth maxillaries are equal to the second,
but the fifth is larger and longer, exceeding all the others. The teeth of
the dentary bone differ from those of the upper jaw in having the cutting
edge of the crown on the anterior aspect, while the posterior border is
obtuse. There is an obtuse cutting edge on the posterior margin of the
anterior mandibular teeth.
"This description is derived from an adult animal, as the maxillary teeth
in some instances are partially worn away by friction on their anterior
and outer faces."
Measurements.
mm.
Length of maxillary bone preserved 146
Length of same supporting five teeth 73
Length of first maxillary tooth 15
Diameter of same at base 6
Diameter of second at base 8
Length of basis of fifteen teeth of the dentary 145
=Leptophractus dentatus new species.=
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