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
Now in the Macrauchenia, as in the Pachyderms above cited, the
transverse processes of the last lumbar vertebræ are of considerable
thickness and extent, and are joined by enarthrosis to the transverse
processes of the sacrum; but the bony structure of these joints would
indicate that they were not subject to be obliterated by anchylosis. The
articular surfaces which project from the posterior part of the
transverse processes of the last lumbar vertebræ present a regular and
smooth concavity, adapted to a corresponding convexity in the transverse
processes of the first sacral vertebra. These articulating surfaces have
evidently been covered with smooth cartilage; they present a pretty
regular transverse ellipsoid form. A view of the three joints by which,
independently of the two oblique processes, the last lumbar vertebra of
the Macrauchenia was articulated with the sacrum, is given in Plate
VIII. fig. 1. The transverse processes of the posterior lumbar vertebra,
besides their agreement with those of the Horse and Hippopotamus in the
structure just described, also correspond with them in general form, and
deviate remarkably from those of the _Camelidæ_ in their great breadth.
It will be seen that the articulations on the body and transverse
processes of the last lumbar vertebra of the Macrauchenia differ from
the corresponding articular surfaces of the Horse, inasmuch as the
middle surface is convex, while the two lateral ones are concave, and
these are moreover relatively larger than either in the Horse or
Hippopotamus: by this structure the trunk was more firmly locked to that
segment of the vertebral column, which receives and transmits to the
rest of the body the motive impetus derived from the hinder extremities,
which are in all quadrupeds the chief powers in progression; while at
the same time the shock must have been diminished by the great extent of
interposed elastic cartilages; and a certain yielding or sliding motion
would be allowed between the lumbar vertebræ and sacrum.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account