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 : 18

Palaeotragus rouenii Gaudry, 1861

Specimens. MNHN PIK1690, MNHN PIK1690 Description. There is a circular, full protrusion at the articular surface above the lateral dorsal facet, and a pointed protrusion between this and the ventro-medial circular facet. The medial and lateral epicondyles are similar in size and morphology ( Figure 12.2 ). There is an obliquely oriented groove between the lateral aspect of the lateral epicondyle and the shaft, separating it into a distinct dorsal and plantar head. The dorsal head flares outward and the plantar head is oriented longitudinally ( Figure 16 ). There is an obliquely oriented groove between the medial aspect of the medial epicondyle and the shaft, separating it into two distinct heads. The dorsal head flares outward and the plantar head is oriented longitudinally. Both plantar heads of the medial and lateral epicondyles are rounded, full, and are continuous longitudinally with the medial and lateral ridges. The pygmaios is oriented medially, is compressed and protrudes proximally ( Figure 16 ). It is more connected to the lateral facet, and the tip is rounded. The central trough is intermediate in depth and flattens at the distal shaft ( Figure 17). Both medial and lateral ridges are sharp and thin. The keels of the distal condyle extend onto the distal shaft.

Figures

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.

FIGURE 16. Three selected metatarsal characteristics. This simplified table can be used to facilitate specimen identifications and differentiate between different giraffid taxa.