NO. I 



THE OLDEST KNOWN REPTILE — PEABODY 



forced distal tarsals 2 and 3 slightly out of position. The existence of 

 two separate centralia seems certain although the separation between 

 the lateral centrale and distal tarsal 2 is not clear — probably because of 

 a slightly overriding relationship due to jamming. A unique feature 

 of the tarsus is a postminimus or distal tarsal 6 in the postaxial border. 

 Such an element is unknown in reptiles but is found in the tarsal pat- 

 tern of the urodele, Salamandrella, by Holmgren (1933, p. 217). 



Fig. 2. — Left pes of Eosauravus copei showing primitive reptilian pattern 

 with separate median and lateral centrale, and with unique postminimus or distal 

 tarsal 6 on postaxial border. 



There is no doubt that the tarsal pattern is generally comparable to 

 primitive captorhinids and pelycosaurs. 



The metatarsals are all well developed as indicated in figure 2. No 

 special features seem to be present except for a generally robust os- 

 sification (like that of more proximal bones) that contrasts markedly 

 with a seemingly delicate ossification of the phalanges. 



The phalanges may be confidently restored with a 2-3-4-5-4 formula, 

 using the evidence from both feet. The terminal phalanges are not 

 acutely pointed and cannot be considered as definitely bearing claws. 

 The relative length of the 5th digit suggests no obvious aquatic adap- 

 tation — in the obviously aquatic Mesosaurns, the 5th digit is longer 

 than the 4th. This condition may also be noted in nothosaurs. 



