The Deseado Formation of PatagoniaLoomis, Frederic Brewster
Science
The Deseado Formation of Patagonia
Loomis, Frederic Brewster
Paleontology -- Patagonia (Argentina and Chile)
Ameghino has described two upper teeth. Specimen No. 3001 of the
Amherst Collection from the Chico del Chubut River, west of Puerto
Visser, adds to this the knowledge of twelve vertebrae (seven dorsal
and five lumbar), the lower dentition complete, the left hind limb
complete, and the right hind limb complete except for the femur. In
general, the animal is about ⅗ the size of _Theosodon garrettorum_, but
in parts varies from this as follows. The lower jaw is ⅗, the vertebrae
are ⅖ in length, the hind leg is ⅗ in length but ¾ in diameter of
bones, while the metatarsus is only ⅓ in length. This makes an almost
plantigrade form of heavy, clumsy proportions.
[Illustration: Fig. 14. Upper molar. 2 of the right side—natural size,
after Ameghino.]
Of the upper dentition we know only what Ameghino has given us. The
molar is distinguished by the presence of both the protoconule and
metaconule, by the development of the posterior cingulum and by the
presence of three external styles.
MEASUREMENTS
Upper premolar 4, length 12 mm., width 15 mm.
Upper molar 2, length 14 mm., width 17 mm.
[Illustration: Fig. 15. Right lower dentition—natural size.]
In the lower dentition, none of the teeth are reduced, and all are in
a continuous series, except that there is a small diastema either side
of pm. 1. The incisors are simple, compressed teeth, with but a trace
of a cingulum. The canine is incisiform and a trifle larger than the
incisors. Premolar 1 is also incisiform, and is isolated by a small
diastema on either side. The second premolar is longer and wider than
the first, and begins to show molariform characters, the anterior
portion being composed of a high compressed cusp, the posterior portion
by a low crescent on which but one cusp is fully developed. The third
premolar is composed of two complete crescents, and has the “pillar”
already developed opposite the posterior end of the back crescent. In
fact, the tooth is molariform, except as to the tiny extra cusp found
on the molars. Premolar 4 is more completely molariform consisting of
the same parts as the preceding tooth.
The molars may be distinguished by the presence of a tiny median
cusp on the rear of the tooth, behind the crescent, which, when the
tooth is worn, makes a median spur to the rear. In both the premolars
and molars, the teeth are characterized by their plumpness, and the
isolation and lowness of the cusps.
[Illustration: Fig. 16. Right mandible—½ natural size.]
The two halves of the lower jaw are completely fused at the symphysis.
The horizontal ramus is thick, but low dorso-ventrally, giving the
appearance of a slender jaw. The posterior angle is prolonged backward
and bent inward. The fossa for the masseter muscle, while large, is
but faintly outlined. The ascending ramus hardly rises above the level
of the teeth, except as the slender coronoid projects to a good height
above the articular condyle and curves backward over it.
MEASUREMENTS
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