The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 1 of 5] : $b Fossil mammaliaOwen, Richard
Science
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle [vol. 1 of 5] : $b Fossil mammalia
Owen, Richard
Beagle Expedition (1831-1836); Mammals, Fossil; Paleontology -- South America; Zoology
In the Megatherium (Pl. XXVIII. fig. 1), the corresponding surface for
the fibular malleolus on the outer side of the astragalus is formed by a
comparatively very small semicircular flattened facet, which by its
roughness indicates that the end of the fibula was attached to it by
ligamentous substance, and that the synovial bag was not continued upon
that surface as in the Scelidothere and Armadillo.
In the Mylodon(?) (Pl. XXVIII. fig. 4), even this rough facet is wanting
and the fibular trochlea is bounded by the angle which divides the upper
from the outer surface of the astragalus.
Turning now our attention to the under surface of the astragalus, we
observe that it presents in the Scelidothere (Pl. XXVI. fig. 6), an
irregular quadrate form, having the outer side occupied by an elongated
subovate articular facet, _e_, for the calcaneum, bounded externally by
a sharp edge, with its long axis and its greatest concavity in the
antero-posterior direction, and slightly convex from side to side: a
second calcaneal articular surface (_f_) is situated at the inner and
anterior angle; it is oblong and nearly flat; is continuous with the
inferior concave facet of the scaphoid articulation, but is divided from
the convex facet by a groove: the two calcaneal articulations are
separated by a deep and rough depression, traversing the under surface
of the astragalus diagonally, and increasing in breadth towards the
posterior and internal angle. The inner side of the astragalus presents
a convex protuberance.
The correspondence between the astragalus of the Scelidothere and
Megathere is best seen at the under surface of the bone: in both the two
calcaneal articulations are separated by the diagonal depression, and
the internal and anterior surface is continuous with the scaphoid
articulation. In the Megathere, however, in consequence of the absence
of the inferior concavity which characterizes the Scelidothere, the
anterior calcaneal facet (_f_) appears as a more direct backward
continuation of the scaphoidal surface; but they are divided by a more
marked angle than is represented in the figure (fig. 5, Pl. XXVI.). The
posterior and outer calcaneal surface in the Megathere (_e_) is broader
in proportion to its length, continued further upwards upon the outward
surface, is consequently more convex in the transverse direction, and is
not bounded externally by so sharp and prominent a ridge as in the
Scelidothere. The protuberance from the inner surface of the astragalus
is more compressed laterally in the Megathere than in the Scelidothere.
The correspondence between the astragali of the Mylodon(?) (Pl. XXVIII.
fig. 6) and Megathere in the conformation of the under surface is so
close, that the few differences which exist will be sufficiently
appreciated by an inspection of the figures.
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