xiv.] CETACEA. 255 



In the CARNIVORA the anterior and posterior fossas of 

 the scapula are nearly equal in area. (See Fig. 76, p. 247.) 

 The spine and acromion are fairly developed, the latter often 

 with a broad metacromial process. The coracoid is much 

 reduced. According to Parker a portion of the scapula, 

 near the coracoid border, ossifies from an independent 

 centre. The clavicle is sometimes absent, and when present 

 varies much in its development, but is always rudimentary 

 and suspended in the muscles, never reaching either the 

 acromion or sternum. In the Felidcz it is slender and 

 curved, being longer than in any other members of the order. 

 In the Canidce it is very short, and rather broad and flat. 

 In most of the Ursidtz it is absent. 



In the Seals both acromion and coracoid are much re- 

 duced, but the latter is a distinct bone in young animals, 

 and forms a considerable part of the glenoid cavity. The 

 whole scapula is much curved backwards, being almost 

 sickle-shaped, and the suprascapular epiphysis is very large 

 and slowly ossified. 



In the Eared Seals (Otaria) the scapula has a different 

 form, the prescapular fossa being very much larger than the 

 posterior, and with a strong vertical ridge, parallel to the 

 spine. 



None of the Pinnipedia have clavicles. 



Order CETACEA. In the true Dolphins and nearly all the 

 Odontoceti the scapula is usually very broad and flat, or fan- 

 shaped. (See Fig. 80.) The prescapular fossa (af) is ex- 

 tremely reduced ; the acromion (a) is a long flat process 

 with a very narrow base of attachment, projecting for- 

 wards ; the coracoid (c) is rather long, flattened, and parallel 

 with the acromion. 



In the Cachalots (Physeter) the scapula is formed on the 

 same general plan, but is comparatively high and narrow. 



