MIOLANIIB^E. 159 



fig. 1,B; having a well-developed head, and comparatively small 

 radial and ulnar processes. It is probable that in the Mesozoic 

 forms the skull approximated towards the Cryptodiran type, since 

 (with the exception of certain forms from the higher Cretaceous of 

 the United States) none of the Chelonian skulls known from these 

 deposits agree with those of existing Pleurodirans, and it is almost 

 certain that some of them are referable to the present section. 



The number of phalangeals may be reduced in certain recent 

 (Pelomedusa, Sternothcerus) and also in fossil forms (Plesiochelyidce). 



Family MIOLANIIDiE. 



Shell known only by fragments. Skull (fig. 39) with completely 

 roofed temporal fossae, and furnished with horn-like bony protu- 

 berances ; no distinct nasals ; vomer dividing palatines ; interdentary 

 suture obliterated. Caudal vertebrae opisthoccelous, with chevrons ; 

 tail long, and encased in a nodose bony sheath. 



According to Boulenger s interpretation the quadratic and palatal 

 regions of the skull have the same general characters as in the 

 following family, although Baur suggests that the closure of the 

 tympanic ring is largely due to dermal ossifications. 



Genus MIOLANIA, Owen \ 

 Syn. Megalania, Owen 2 (in parte). Ceratochelys, Huxley 3 . 



The type and only known genus. Cranium with three pairs of 

 peripheral prominences in the fron to-parietal region, of which the 

 anterior pair are small and knob-like, the second pair (horn-cores) 

 large and horn-like, and the third or parietal pair in the form of 

 thin plates nearly meeting one another above the occiput. Double 

 transverse processes to some of the cervical vertebrae, which may 

 have carried ribs. An obtuse angle formed by the junction between 

 the scapula and precoracoid. Humerus with complete foramen. 

 Pelvic bones anchylosed together to form an innominate. Carapace 

 with serrated margins. 



Habits probably herbivorous and terrestrial. 



The divergent views which have obtained as to the systematic 

 position of this genus, and the confusion of its remains with those 

 of Varanus {Megalania) joriscus 4 , render it advisable to give a brief 

 summary of the more important literature. 



1 Proc. Koy. Soc. vol. xl. p. 315 (1886). See also Phil. Trans, for 1886, 

 p. 471 (1887)"— Meiolania. 2 Ibid, for 1880, p. 1037. 



3 Proc. Koy. Soc. vol. xlii. p. 237 (1887). i Vide supra, pt. I. p. 284. 



