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Ichnos
An International Journal for Plant and Animal Traces
Volume 5, 1997 - Issue 2
48
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Short communication

Ichnologic note

Fossil footprints of desmostylians predicted from a restored skeleton

Pages 163-166 | Published online: 17 Dec 2008
 

Abstract

There have been many research attempts to infer the track‐maker from a fossil footprint. However, it does not seem that prediction of the footprint from a mounted skeleton has yet been attempted. The body form of the desmostylian is hypothesized to have a peculiar lateral‐type limb posture. If fossil desmostylian footprints were to be found, this hypothesis on reconstruction of the desmostylian skeleton could be tested. In order to stimulate such a discovery, the presumed footprint and trackway of Desmostylus are postulated here. The footprint and trackway are inferred from skeletons and comparisons with some living mammals. They are characterized by a short, wide footprint with four divergent toes and pad, short stride and wide trackway.

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