Abstract
The fore limb of Ornithosuchus woodwardi is shown in a specimen in the Manchester Museum. It is small, only about one-half the size of the hind leg. The scapula is much expanded at both ends, and is indistinguishably fused with the coracoid. The latter bone is pierced by a large foramen. The humerus is a slender bone, somewhat twisted, but not much expanded at the ends; it has a distinct ectepicondylar groove. The ulna is very broad at the proximal end, but narrows distally; its proximal portion forms a thin plate of bone. The radius crosses the ulna, its proximal end lying entirely in front of it, while the distal ends of the two bones lie side by side. The carpus cannot be made out. Only metacarpals 1, 2, and 3 are functional; but a possible representative of 4 lies closely pressed to the back of the other three. Both phalanges of digit 1 are preserved, the last being a strong claw. Ornithosuchus is restored as an animal walking on all fours, with the head carried rather low. The proportions are identical with those of Ætosaurus . A description is given of the skeleton of a very small reptile, interesting as recalling Ætosaurus in its armour, and because it shows the whole of the animal except the tail.
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More From: Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London
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