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
To make this distinction more readily intelligible, I have given a view
of the transverse section of the teeth in the right ramus of the lower
jaw (fig. 4, Pl. XXIII.), corresponding with that of the _Mylodon
Darwinii_, (Pl. XVII., fig. 5). In the present subgenus the
antero-posterior extent of the four alveoli of the lower jaw nearly
equals four inches, and is relatively greater than in the Mylodon,
although the teeth are placed closer together; this is owing to their
greater relative size. The first molar tooth presents the simplest form;
its transverse section is a compressed inequilateral triangle with the
angles rounded off; the longest diameter of this section which is
parallel with the inner alveolar border is eleven lines, the transverse
diameter almost six lines; the base or broadest side of the triangle is
turned inwards, and is slightly concave; the two smaller sides are also
slightly concave.
The second molar is placed more obliquely in the jaw; the long axis of
its transverse section intersects at an acute angle that of the jaw
itself; the transverse section presents a compressed or oblong form,
with the larger end next the outer side, and the smaller end next the
inner side of the jaw; this end is simply rounded, but the outer end
presents a sinuosity, corresponding to a broad groove which traverses
the whole length of the outer side of the tooth; the anterior, which
corresponds to the internal side or base of the transverse section of
the preceding molar, is slightly concave.
The third molar has nearly the same form and relative position as the
preceding; the long diameter of the transverse section is, in both, ten
lines and a half; the principal transverse diameter is, in the second
molar five lines, in the third nearly six; the difference of form
observable in these as compared with the two middle grinders of the
Mylodon is well-marked; in the latter these teeth are impressed with a
longitudinal groove on their inner sides; in the Scelidothere they have
a similar impression along their outer but not along the inner side.
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account