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
The position of the pulps of these incisors, in close proximity with the
anterior grinders, corresponds with the position of the pulps of the
incisors in the upper jaw of the _Toxodon_, and indicates, in
conjunction with the size of the pulps, that a considerable extent of
the inferior incisors was lodged in the substance of the anterior part
of the jaw. It is most likely that no vertically directed tooth would be
developed in the part of the jaw so occupied by the curved bases of the
incisors, and hence a diastema or toothless space would intervene
between the molars and incisors of this lower jaw, as in the upper jaw
of the Toxodon.
It is interesting, also, to observe, that as the deviations from the
Rodent type, which occur in the cranium of the Toxodon, are the same, in
some instances, as those which obtain in the Wombat; so we find a
corresponding deviation in the size and relative position of the
inferior incisors, which, as in the Wombat, terminate anterior to the
molar teeth, instead of extending backwards beyond the last grinder, as
in most of the true Rodents. The Capybara presents the nearest approach
to this structure, the pulps of the inferior incisors being situated
opposite the interspace of the first and second grinders.
The molar teeth, in this mutilated lower jaw, like those in the upper
jaw of Toxodon, had persistent pulps, as is proved by the conical cavity
at their base, as represented in fig. 3; they consequently required a
deep socket, and a corresponding depth of jaw to form the socket and
protect the pulps. In order to economise space, and to increase the
power of resistance in the tooth, and perhaps, also, to diminish the
effects of direct pressure on the highly vascular and sensible matrix,
we find the molars and their sockets are curved, but in a less degree
than those of the upper jaw of the Toxodon. They correspond, however,
with the superior molars of the Toxodon in the antero-posterior
diameter, in being small and simple at the anterior part of the jaw, and
by increasing in magnitude and complexity as they are situated more
posteriorly. They are, however, narrower from side to side; but
supposing them to belong to the Toxodon, it would agree in this respect
with most other large herbivorous mammalia;—the fixed surface for
attrition in the upper jaw being from obvious principles more extensive
than the opposed moveable surface in the lower jaw.
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