An introduction to the study of mammals living and extinct / by William Henry Flower and Richard Lydekker.

Date:
1891
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introduction to the study of mammals living and extinct / by William Henry Flower and Richard Lydekker. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    in the Vcariable size and position of the second upper premolar, which is very small, external, and deciduous in the Indian E. viiavpus and picius. The former species, limited to South India, is further distinguished by the absence of the jugal bone. Of the African species, E. diadematus, with long frontal spines, is probably the commonest; while E. alhiventris has been made the type of a separate genus on account of the total absence of the hallux. The well-known European species feeds on insects, worms, slugs, mice, rats, lizards, snakes, etc., as well as on eggs, fruit, and roots. It hibernates during the winter. The young are usually produced in July or August in litters of not more than foiu, but there may be a second litter in October; and the period of gestation is be- lieved not to exceed a month. The Indian, and probably also the African species, do not hibernate. The existing E. europceus dates from the Pleistocene period, and extinct species of the genus are found in the Upper and Middle Miocene of the Continent. Extinct Genera.—The French Lower Miocene genus, Falceoerin- aceus, appears to be allied to Erinaceus, but is distinguished by the Avider and completely ossified palate. In the Upper Eocene of Central France there are two genera, which appear to be most nearly allied to Gymnura, although connected by Falceoerinaceus with Erinaceus. Of these Necrogijmnurus,^ wdth which Cayluxotherium is apparently identical, has teeth like Gymnura, but an imperfectly ossified palate like Erinaceus; and the skull is remarkable for the peculiar rugose structure of the parietal and temporal regions. Compliotherium is distinguished by the presence of a cingulum to the lower molars, like that found in Gymnura. Family SoRiciD^, Skull (Fig. 286) long and narrow, -with no zygomatic arch or postorbital process, and the tympanic ring-like and not forming a bulla. Upper molars Avith the cusps arranged in a distinct W. No pubic symphysis. The tibia and fibula united. No caecum. Habits usually terrestrial, rarely aquatic. Distribution extensive. The Shrews are Eat-like or Mouse-like insectivores, with the body covered with hair, and the muzzle long and pointed. Their dentition (Fig. 286) is peculiar and characteristic. Thus the first upper incisor is large and hook-like, with a more or less developed basal cusp on the posterior border. Between this and the last pre- molar there are a variable number of small teeth, representing the other incisors, the canine, and the anterior premolars; although, owing to the early obliteration of the maxillo-premaxillary suture, 1 Originally given incorrectly as Neurogymnuriis.