842 



THE AMERICAN NATURALIST [Vol. XL 



The affinity of Malta to Sicily is indicated by the occurrence 

 two species, Hippopotamus pentlandi and Elephas mnaidrien 

 in the cavern deposits of both islands. The early separation 

 Cyprus is indicated by the fact that E. Cypriotes and H. minv 

 are both more primitive than the Maltese-Sicilian species. Ci 

 also includes antelope and deer in its Pleistocene fauna. 



Pleistocene Extinct Fauna of the Mediterranean Islands 

 Cyprus Malta Sicily Sardini 



Artiodactyla, pigmy 



hippopotami H. minutus H. pentlandi H. pentlandi 



The occurrence of these specifically different though apparently 

 closely related races of small elephants and hippopotami in widely 

 separated islands is an instance of independent development 

 with some divergence from common ancestors. 



Introduction of Carnivora 



Striking examples of the introduction and competition of Car- 



(1) The true Carnivora in competition with the Creodonta of 

 Europe and North America, followed by the final extinction of 

 the latter order in the Lower Oligocene. 



(2) The true Carnivora in South America in the Middle Pliocene. 

 At this time the Canidse and two destructive types of Felidse, the 

 sabre-tooths (Machserodontinae) and the true cats (Felinte), sud- 

 denly appeared; they entered a faunal region which, subsequent 

 to the extinction of the marsupial Carnivores (Thylacinidse) in 

 the Oligocene, had been entirely free from Carnivora. 



(3) The dingo {Canis dingo), in the Australian mainland,, 

 followetl by the extinction of the Tasmanian wolf (Thylacinus) 

 and devil (Sarcophilus), animals which survive only in Tasmania. 



(4) The mongoose (Herpestes) in various countries. 



In each instance intelligence, ferocity, and facility in change of 

 habit have played an important part. The Carnivora in relation 



