Palaeotragus rouenii Gaudry, 1861

Rios, M, Danowitz, M & Solounias, N, 2016, First comprehensive morphological analysis on the metapodials of Giraffidae, Palaeontologia Electronica 410 (10453), pp. 1-39 : 11

Palaeotragus rouenii Gaudry, 1861

Specimen. MNHN PIK1692

Description. The proximal articular surface is all on the same plane. The medial and lateral epicondyles are asymmetrical in size and morphology. There is an elongated oval fossa laterally, separating the lateral epicondyle into two heads. There is a triangular extension of the articular surface onto the lateral epicondyle. The distal edge of the lateral epicondyle continues onto the lateral ridge. The medial epicondyle is smaller and rectangular shaped ( Figure 7 ). The surface is fuller and has a slight depression on the palmar surface, and the distal aspect continues onto the medial ridge. The lateral ridge is sharp and the medial ridge is rounded. The medial ridge is thickest and fullest proximally and becomes more confined throughout the shaft ( Figure 12.2 ). There is a confined oval fossa on the lateral aspect of the lateral ridge. The central trough is intermediate in depth throughout the proximal and midshaft, and flattens towards the distal condyles. The medial and lateral ridges are very thin. They extend almost the entire length of the shaft and flatten close to the distal condyle. The pyramidal rise is present and faint at the distal shaft. The keels of the distal condyle extend onto the palmar shaft.

Figures

FIGURE 7. Three additional metacarpal characteristics. This simplified table can be used to facilitate specimen identifications and differentiate between different giraffid taxa.

FIGURE 12. Palmar views of the right metacarpals (left) and plantar views of the metatarsals (right) of certain Giraffidae. 1, Samotherium major, late Miocene, Samos, NHM Be Samos 711 (metacarpal), AMNH 22967 (metatarsal) (both reversed); 2, Palaeotragus rouenii, late Miocene, Pikermi, MNHNP 1692 (metacarpal), (reversed); MNHNP 1691 (metatarsal). Scale bar equals 200 mm.