VII MARSUPIAL MOLE 159 
We may regard as family-characters the pentadactyle limbs, the 
existence of three pairs of incisors in the lower and. four in the 
upper jaw; and the tritubercular nature of the upper molars. 
Notoryctes typhlops, the “ Marsupial Mole” as it has been termed, 
was originally discovered by Professor Stirling in Central South 
Australia. It is a burrowing creature, clothed in a silky fur of a 
pale golden red, without external ears. It has been compared in 
“appearance with Chrysochloris, the Cape Golden Mole, and the 
eminent palaeontologist, Professor Cope, has even insisted upon a 
real genetic affinity. Edentate affinities have also been suggested. 
But Notoryctes has a small pouch opening backwards as in other 
Polyprotodonts,’ and as it also possesses marsupial bones it must 
Fic. 88.—Australian Marsupial Mole. Notoryctes typhlops. ~ 4. 
undoubtedly be referred to the Marsupiaha. The animal shows 
many curious adaptations to its underground mode of life. 
Certain of the vertebrae in the neck and in the lumbar 
region are firmly welded together, giving of course a strength 
of push, and suggesting the Armadillos; the claws of the third 
and fourth front-toes are greatly enlarged, and must be efficient 
digging organs. The track of the animal is like that of a rail- 
way in mountainous country; it burrows for a short distance, 
emerges, and then descending beneath the surface re-emerges. 
The red colour of the fur is said to be in harmony with the 
arid soil in which it lives. The native name of the creature is 
“Urquamata.” It feeds upon ants and other insects. 
Extinct Polyprotodonts.—Of extinct Polyprotodonts (apart 
from those Mesozoic forms which are considered on p. 100) 
extinct species of Zhylacinus and Dasyurus are known from 
' The male, according to Professor Spencer, has a rudimentary pouch. 
