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 Camel, as well as in the Horse and Hippopotamus, the bodies of
the lumbar vertebræ diminish in vertical extent, or become flatter, as
they approach the sacrum; but this character is more strongly marked in
the Macrauchenia than in either of the above species. But in the
Camelidæ the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebræ, are elongated,
flattened, and narrow, resembling ribs, except that they are nearly
straight; and this is more particularly the case with the transverse
processes of the last lumbar vertebræ, which are the narrowest of all in
proportion to their length, and stand freely out without touching the
sacrum. The transverse processes of the lumbar vertebræ of the Giraffe
resemble those of the Camel, but are relatively smaller and shorter. In
the Hippopotamus the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebræ are
much broader in proportion to their length than in any of the Ruminants,
and they increase in breadth to the last lumbar vertebra, which presents
in addition, the following characters; each transverse process sends off
from its posterior margin a thickened and transversely elongated
protuberance, which supports a flattened articular surface adapted to a
corresponding surface on the anterior part of the transverse process of
the first sacral vertebra: it likewise presents on its anterior edge a
flattened and rough surface, which is closely attached by ligamentous
substance to the opposite part of the transverse process of the
penultimate lumbar vertebra. A similar structure exists in the last two
lumbar vertebræ of the Rhinoceros, Tapir, and Horse. In the latter
animal, anchylosis of these articulating surfaces of the lumbar and
sacral vertebræ generally takes place with age, and, judging from the
character of the same surfaces in the Hippopotamus, the motion of its
lumbar vertebræ upon the sacrum may in like manner become ultimately
arrested.
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