The Kansas University Quarterly, Vol. I, No. 1 (1892)Various
History
The Kansas University Quarterly, Vol. I, No. 1 (1892)
Various
Natural history -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals
A remarkably complete specimen, referred with considerable certainty
to this species, was obtained by ourselves in western Kansas, (Butte
Creek) in the summer of 1891. A brief preliminary description of the
specimen was given by the senior author in Science, December 8, 1891.
A more complete description is here given, which, it is believed, will
be of service. The specimen is an unusually perfect one, being very
nearly complete, and, as now mounted, shows the bones nearly all in the
position in which they were found. The vertebral column is continuous,
except in one place, where the tail had been bent up over the back; and
complete, save at the very tip of the tail. The skull is complete, or
very nearly complete, and has been restored nearly to the condition in
life. Figures have been made of this portion of the skeleton, and will
be given in a future communication. At present, it may be mentioned
that the lacrymals are small, roughly irregular bones, and pointed at
either extremity. There are no indications of transverse bones, as
there are none in any other skull in the collection.
Cervical vertebrae.
ATLAS. The intercentrum is a small bone with three sides of
nearly equal extent. The two upper, articular surfaces are gently
concave, and meet in a rounded margin; the inferior surface is convex,
both antero-posteriorly and transversely, with a roughened prominence
in the middle. The lateral pieces have indistinctly separated facets
for articulation with the odontoid, the intercentrum and the occipital
condyle. The rather short, flattened lamina extends upward, backward
and inward, approaching, but not reaching its fellow of the opposite
side; it is somewhat dilated distally. Directed outwards and forwards,
there is a stout styliform process.
AXIS. The neural spine of the axis is elongated
antero-posteriorly. It is thin on the anterior portion, but stouter
and longer at the posterior part. The large, stout odontoid process is
united suturally, as is also the well-developed atlantar hypapophysis,
which forms the anterior, inferior portion of the bone. The diapophyses
are the smallest of the costiferous series, with only a small articular
facet for the rib. The ball is strongly and evenly convex, with its
greater diameter transversely. The hypapophysis is the largest of the
series; it is suturally united with the stout, exogenous process of the
centrum, and projects downward and backward; its distal extremity is
roughened for ligamentous attachments.
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