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 Macrauchenia, however, surpasses these aberrant
Ruminants, and equals the Pachyderms in the elevation and extent of its
scapular spine: but this process commences about half an inch behind the
glenoid cavity, and rises at once to the height of three inches above
the plane of the scapula; in which structure we may trace the same
tendency to the Ruminant type, as is manifested in the scapula of the
Hippopotamus and Anoplotherium; for in most other Pachyderms the spine
increases gradually from its extremities to the middle part. The
anterior margin of the spine beneath the short acromion is perforated by
an elliptical fissure measuring ten lines, by three lines. The extent of
the spine which is preserved, measures eight inches and a half; it is a
thin and nearly straight plate of bone, expanding into a thick and
rugged upper margin, which slightly over-arches the inferior fossa.
(fig. 1, Pl. IX.) In its general form and proportions the spine of the
scapula in Macrauchenia presents the nearest resemblance to that of the
Hippopotamus; but its origin is closer to the articular surface of the
scapula than in this, or any other Pachydermal or Ruminant genus.
The portion of the antibrachium of the Macrauchenia which is preserved,
presents a condition of the radius and ulna intermediate to those which
respectively characterize the same bones in the Pachyderms and Camels.
In the former the radius and ulna are separate bones, united in the
prone position by ligament, yet so that the movement of supination
cannot be performed; in the ordinary Ruminants they are partially joined
by bony confluence, which rarely extends to the proximal extremities; in
the Camel and Llama the anchylosis of the radius and ulna is so
complete, that no trace of their original separation can be perceived,
and the olecranon appears but as a mere process of the radius.
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