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ABSTRACT
Anatomical comparisons suggest that the medial element of the proximal carpal row of Eremotherium and Megatherium is a scaphoid, homologous with that of other Tardigrada, and not a scapho-trapezium. The medial process of the scaphoid overhangs the distal carpal row in all sloths.
The metacarpal-carpal complex (MCC) is composed of fused elements present medially in the manus of many Tardigrada. In most genera the MCC is a small nodular element incorporating the trapezium and metacarpal I (Mc I). Comparisons of the MCCs of Megatherium and Eremotherium with other sloths suggest that the MCC of Megatherium comprises the trapezium and Mc I, and that of Eremotherium the reduced Mc II, Mc I, trapezium, and trapezoid. The morphological similarity of the MCC in the three large size Eremotherium species (E. laurillardi, E. mirabile, and E. rusconii) currently recognized in the literature is evidence that species are conspecific.
