Die orbitotemporale Region im Schädel von <i>Chelydra serpentina Linnaeus</i> (Chelonia) und <i>Lacerta sicula Rafinesque</i> (Lacertilia)

Abstract

An analysis of the ontogenesis of the chondrocranium gives the following homologies in the skull of Lacerta and Chelydra: (see article). It is shown that the extracranial position of the cavum epiptericum in Lacerta corresponds to the stage of maximal development of the chondrocranium in Chelydra. But further development brings about a dermal sidewall in the orbitotemporal region, b,ilt up by descending parietal flanges which incorporate the epipterygoid. This not only allows the pila antotica to degenerate but also incorporates the cavum in the cranial cavity.