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 base of the coronoid process begins external and posterior to the
last grinder: the whole of the ascending ramus of the jaw, beneath the
coronoid process is excavated on its inner side by a wide and deep
concavity, bounded below by a well-marked ridge, which extends obliquely
backwards from the posterior part of the alveolus of the last grinder to
the inferior margin of the ascending ramus, which is bent inwards before
it reaches the angle of the jaw.
The large foramen or entry to the dental canal is situated in the
internal concavity of the ascending ramus of the jaw, two inches behind
the last molar, three inches from the lower margin of the ramus, and
nearly five inches from the elevated angle of the jaw: it measures nine
lines in the vertical diameter, and its magnitude indicates the large
size of the vessels which are destined to supply the materials for the
constant renewal of the dental substance,—a substance which from its
texture must be supposed to have been subject to rapid abrasion. About
an inch behind the dental foramen a deep vascular groove, about two
lines in breadth, is continued downwards to the ridge which
circumscribes the internal concavity of this part of the jaw, and
perforates the ridge, which thus arches over the canal: this structure
is present in both rami of the jaw. The mylo-hyoid ridge is distinctly
marked about an inch and a half below the alveolar margin. Other
muscular ridges and irregular eminences are present on the outer side of
the base of the ascending ramus, and near the angle of the jaw; as shown
in fig. 1, Pl. XIX.
From the preceding descriptions it will be seen that the lower jaw of
the _Mylodon_ is very different from that of the _Megatherium_; with
that of the _Megalonyx_ we have at present no means of comparing it.
Among existing Edentata the Mylodon, in the form of the posterior part
and angle of the jaw, holds an intermediate place between the Ai and the
great Armadillo; in the form of the anchylosed symphysis of the lower
jaw it resembles most closely the Unau or two-toed Sloth; but in the
peculiar external configuration of the symphysis resulting from the
mammilloid processes above described, the Mylodon presents a character
which has not hitherto been observed in any other species of _Bruta_,
either recent or fossil.
In conclusion it may be stated, that the teeth and bones here described
offer all the conditions and appearances of those of a full grown
animal; and that they present a marked difference of size as compared
with those of the _Mylodon Harlani_, as will be evident by the following
admeasurements.
ADMEASUREMENTS OF THE LOWER JAW OF MYLODON DARWINII.
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