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 structure of the bones of the leg of the Macrauchenia we find the
same transitional character which is afforded by the definable limits of
the anchylosed bones of the fore-arm. In the Pachyderma the fibula is an
entire and distinct bone. In the Ruminantia, with the exception of the
small Musk-deer, and, in an inferior degree, the Elk, the fibula appears
only as a short continuous process sent down from the under part of the
external condyle of the tibia. In the Camel tribe the only trace of the
fibula in the bones of the leg, is this process in a still more
rudimental state. In the Macrauchenia the fibula is entire, but is
confluent with the tibia through nearly its whole extent: the proximal
part of the fibula is well defined; its head is anchylosed to the outer
condyle of the tibia, but the shaft is continued free for the extent of
nearly two inches, and then again becomes confluent with the tibia,
forming apparently the outer ridge of that bone. About five inches from
the distal end of the tibia this outer ridge becomes flattened by being,
as it were, pressed against the tibia, and the anterior and posterior
edges are raised above the level of the tibia; beyond this part the
limits of the fibula begin again to be defined by deep vascular grooves.
The outer side of the distal end of the fibula is excavated by a broad
tendinous groove. The fibula and tibia are distinct bones in both the
Palæothere and Anoplothere, as in the Pachyderms. It is to the former
genus, however, especially _Pal. magnum_, that the Macrauchene presents
the nearest approach in the general form of the tibia, the principal
bone of its leg: but in the Macrauchene the tibia is relatively shorter,
and thicker, and is straighter and less expanded at its extremities,
especially the upper one, than in any of the Palæotheres.
The mesial boundaries of the two superior articulating surfaces of the
tibia are raised in the form of ridges, which are separated by a deep
groove; of these ridges the external is the highest, as in _Pal.
magnum_: but the articular surfaces in the Macrauchene slope away from
these ridges more than in the Palæotheres. The rotular or anterior
tuberosity of the tibia is more produced, and rises higher than in the
Palæotheres; the ridge continued downwards from this process is more
marked in the Macrauchene, and its limits are better defined: the shaft
of the tibia below the ridge is also more flattened in the
antero-posterior direction than in the Palæothere. The configuration of
the back part of both proximal and distal extremities of the tibia are
so clearly and accurately given in figures 2 and 3, Pl. XIII., as to
render verbal description unnecessary. Neither the text nor the figures
in the ‘Ossemens Fossiles’ afford the means of pursuing the comparison
between the Macrauchene and Palæothere in these particulars; and I
proceed, therefore, to the consideration of the inferior articulating
surface of the bones of the leg (fig. 4, Pl. XIII.)
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