Boyer diss 2009 1046..

Boyer diss 2009 1046.. Boyer diss 2009 1046..

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(1983) descriptions are brief and contain inaccuracies and omissions. Simpson (1935:9) misinterpreted the exposed promontorium as a bulla that “is completely ossified, but is remarkably small and relatively little inflated.” Thus, much of the morphology of this specimen is illustrated and described for the first time here. This specimen could not be HRxCT-scanned because of an x-ray opaque naturally deposited/precipitated mineral infilling the petrosals. The skull is crushed flat and only the ventral aspect is visible (Figs. 2.15-16). The dorsal aspect is embedded in matrix and a composite, or plaster, that has been applied, apparently in order to stabilize the specimen. The skull is articulated with a cervical vertebral series. Lying parallel to the vertebral series is a clavicle. Just behind this accumulation is what appears to be part of a radius shaft. Maxilla.— The nasals, premaxillae, and lacrimals are not visible. The maxillae are preserved bilaterally. Left P 3 -M 3 and right M 1-3 are present, still in their alveoli. One P 2 (probably left) is out of its alveolus and lying on the palate (Fig. 2.15). The length of the tooth row from P 2 -M 3 is 14.00 mm (Fig. 2.15). The heavy wear on these teeth reveals that the animal was probably senescent. Neither element preserves any sutures except possibly the zygomatic contact on the right side. The zygomatic process of the maxilla arises at the level of M 2 (Fig. 2.15: 53). The infraorbital foramen is visible on the right side at the level of P 3 (Fig. 2.15: 54). Its dorsoventral depth is roughly 2.22 mm. Zygomatic.— The right zygomatic bone is visible (Fig. 2.15) but fragmentary; no morphology of significance is apparent. Palatine.— Fragments of both palatines are preserved (Fig. 2.15). The posterior end of the palatal part of the bone and the anterior bases of both pterygoid processes are 54

preserved (Fig. 2.15: 55). In fact, the right pterygoid process is continuous with the basisphenoid (Fig. 2.15: 56) and alisphenoid (Fig. 2.15: 57) contributions to the process (see below). On the palate, the right palatine terminates at the choanae in a swollen rim of bone, also referred to as a postpalatine torus (Fig. 2.15: 58). The outer (anterior) margin of the torus reaches the lateral margin of the pterygoid processes. Furthermore, the outer margin of the torus is angular, with the anterior part of it following a straight, transversely-to-slightly-posteriorly-running course (so that the right and left margins together form a “v” with its tip pointing posteriorly), and the lateral part following a straight, anteroposteriorly-running course (thus, together the lateral and anterior margins of the postpalatine torus would form an “m”). The inner margin of the torus, which forms the inferoposterior margin of the choanae, is biconcave, with a midline postpalatine spine present (Fig. 2.15: 59), prior to shifting of the contralateral palatines. The level of the posterior termination to the palatal part of the palatine bone is ambiguous because the palatines have been thrust anteriorly and to the left. Sphenoids.— The alisphenoid is visible as the right ectopterygoid process, while the basisphenoid is visible by its contribution to the right entopterygoid process (Fig. 2.15: 56, 57). Squamosal.— The right and left squamosals are preserved (Fig. 2.15). The right side is relatively complete and includes the glenoid (Fig. 2.15: 60), postglenoid process (Fig. 2.15: 61) and a fragment of zygomatic process (Fig. 2.15: 62). The glenoid is flat with the condyle of the dentary still sitting in it. It measures 6.5 mm in anteroposterior length and 5.6 mm in mediolateral width. The postglenoid process is oriented transversly 55

(1983) descriptions are brief and contain inaccuracies and omissions. Simpson (1935:9)<br />

misinterpreted the exposed promontorium as a bulla that “is completely ossified, but is<br />

remarkably small and relatively little inflated.”<br />

Thus, much of the morphology of this specimen is illustrated and described for<br />

the first time here. This specimen could not be HRxCT-scanned because of an x-ray<br />

opaque naturally deposited/precipitated mineral infilling the petrosals. The skull is<br />

crushed flat and only the ventral aspect is visible (Figs. 2.15-16). The dorsal aspect is<br />

embedded in matrix and a composite, or plaster, that has been applied, apparently in<br />

order to stabilize the specimen. The skull is articulated with a cervical vertebral series.<br />

Lying parallel to the vertebral series is a clavicle. Just behind this accumulation is what<br />

appears to be part of a radius shaft.<br />

Maxilla.— The nasals, premaxillae, and lacrimals are not visible. The maxillae<br />

are preserved bilaterally. Left P 3 -M 3 and right M 1-3 are present, still in their alveoli. One<br />

P 2 (probably left) is out of its alveolus and lying on the palate (Fig. 2.15). The length of<br />

the tooth row from P 2 -M 3 is 14.00 mm (Fig. 2.15). The heavy wear on these teeth reveals<br />

that the animal was probably senescent. Neither element preserves any sutures except<br />

possibly the zygomatic contact on the right side. The zygomatic process of the maxilla<br />

arises at the level of M 2 (Fig. 2.15: 53). The infraorbital foramen is visible on the right<br />

side at the level of P 3 (Fig. 2.15: 54). Its dorsoventral depth is roughly 2.22 mm.<br />

Zygomatic.— The right zygomatic bone is visible (Fig. 2.15) but fragmentary; no<br />

morphology of significance is apparent.<br />

Palatine.— Fragments of both palatines are preserved (Fig. 2.15). The posterior<br />

end of the palatal part of the bone and the anterior bases of both pterygoid processes are<br />

54

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