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 lower jaw resembles, in the general form of the posterior moiety
which is here preserved, that of the Sloth and Mylodon more than that of
any other Edentate species. Its deep posterior angle is produced
backwards, and a broad coronoid process rises and nearly fills the
zygomatic space; the condyle is flat, as the glenoid surface has already
indicated; its transverse diameter is an inch and eight lines; its
antero-posterior diameter seven lines: it is principally extended
inwards beyond the vertical line of the ascending ramus. The lower
contour of the jaw describes an undulating line; which, commencing from
the posterior angle, is at first gently convex, then slightly concave,
then again convex, below the alveoli of the teeth, where it is rounded
and expanded, as in the Orycterope. The fractured condition of the right
ramus of this part fortunately exposed the roots of the four grinding
teeth, which constitute the dental series on each side of the lower jaw.
The length of the jaw occupied by these four alveoli is three inches ten
lines, which exceeds a little that of the opposed five grinders above;
the ramus of the jaw gradually diminishes in all its dimensions anterior
to the molar teeth; the dental canal passes in a gentle curve below, and
on the inner side of the alveoli, whence it gradually inclines to the
outer wall of the jaw.
The whole ascending ramus of the jaw consists of a very thin plate of
bone; it is slightly concave on the inner side, and the inferior margin
of the produced angle inclines inwards, as in the Mylodon and Sloth; it
is impressed on the outer side with two shallow depressions, and two
parallel ridges, both following the gentle curvature of the part. There
is a foramen on the outer side of the ramus at the anterior part of the
base of the coronoid process corresponding with that in the lower jaw of
the Mylodon, but the longitudinal channel which runs along the outer
side of the alveolar processes is wanting, and the expansion at the base
of those processes is more sudden and relatively greater; the general
correspondence, however, between these lower jaws is such as would lead
to the idea that they belonged to animals of the same genus, were it not
that the teeth present modifications of form in the Scelidothere, as
distinct from those of the Mylodon, as are any of the minor dental
differences on which genera or subgenera of existing Mammalia are
founded in the present state of Zoological Classification.
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