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 last molar the resemblance is much closer, and the modification
of form by which it differs from the preceding ones is of the same kind;
the transverse section gives an irregular oblong figure with its axis
nearly parallel with that of the jaw, and constricted at the middle by
sinuosities produced by two wide channels which traverse longitudinally,
one the outer, the other the inner side of the tooth; the latter groove
is much wider and shallower in the Scelidothere than in the Mylodon. The
two lobes produced by these grooves are more equal in Scelidothere; the
anterior one is concave on its anterior surface instead of convex as in
the Mylodon; the posterior one is more compressed; the longitudinal or
antero-posterior diameter of the transverse section of this tooth is one
inch five lines; the greatest transverse diameter is nine lines; the
diameter of the isthmus joining the lobes is three lines and a half; the
entire length of this tooth is three inches three lines.[46]
VERTEBRAL COLUMN.
Of this part of the skeleton of the Scelidothere, Mr. Darwin’s specimen
includes, as is represented in Plate XX., the cervical, part of the
dorsal, and the sacral series of vertebræ in a more or less perfect
condition.
The cervical vertebræ present the ordinary mammalian number, seven, and
are free, or so articulated as to have permitted reciprocal movement
upon each other. Their transverse processes are perforated as usual for
the vertebral arteries. These processes in the atlas are remarkable for
their great breadth, length, and thickness; and indicate the muscular
forces which must have worked the head upon the spine to have been very
powerful. The axis is provided with a robust ‘processus dentatus,’
having a base equal in breadth to the body of the axis itself; and a
smooth articular convexity on the side of the apex on which the ring of
the atlas rotated. The line of union between the axis and its
characteristic process, which here resembles the body of an abortive
vertebra, is very distinct. The transverse processes of the vertebra
dentata are comparatively feeble, but this condition is amply
compensated for by the great development of the spinous process. (Pl.
XXIV. fig. 1.) This process is bent backwards at nearly a right angle,
overlaps with its reflected extremity the spine of the third cervical
vertebra, and rests by its base, on the under part of which are the
posterior articular surfaces, upon the broad and strong anterior oblique
processes of the third vertebra.
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