149 



the pinnipeds, with subsequent modification in the remaining forms (ACCTRAN 

 optimization). The apomorphic reduction to a prominent acromion unites all monachines 

 except Mirounga spp. All phocines possess a prominent scapular spine. 



154) relative shape of axillary (= caudal) border of scapula: 0 = straight; 1 = curved (Wyss 

 1988a; pers. obs.). 



This character stems from the following one which was used by Wyss (1988a) to indicate 

 a synapomorphy of the phocids exclusive of Mirounga spp. and Monachus spp. The shape 

 of the teres major process notwithstanding, we noted that the axillary border of the scapula 

 exhibits one of two distinctive morphologies. In most fissiped carnivores, the axillary 

 border is reasonably straight (Miller 1962; Davis 1964; Crouch 1969). In contrast, the 

 strongly curved border of most pinnipeds appears to be derived from an enlargement of 

 the gleno- vertebral (posterodorsal) portion of the infraspinous region of the scapula 

 (Howell 1928). 



The apomorphic curvature of the axillary border presented a more limited distribution 

 here, primarily being a synapomorphy of the phocines (with and without the polymorphic 

 Cystophora), with independent origins in Lutra and Ursus among the outgroups. Among 

 the monachines, only Monachus monachus consistently displayed the derived state, 

 although most species were polymorphic for this trait. 



155) distinct hook-like teres major process on scapula: 0 = absent; 1 = present (Wyss 

 1988a). 



The teres major process comprises the posterodorsal-most portion of the gleno-vertebral 

 region mentioned by Howell (1928). Wyss (1988a) considered the enlargement of this 

 process (over and above that of the gleno-vertebral region) to form a hook on the axillary 

 border of the scapula a synapomorphy of the phocids exclusive of Mirounga spp. and 

 Monachus spp. Instead, our analysis indicates that the apomorphic presence of a distinct 

 hook-like teres major process is limited to certain phocines only. It appears as a 

 synapomorphy at the level of either Phoca largha (ACCTRAN optimization) or Phoca 

 vitulina (DELTRAN optimization), and is maintained for all phocines internal to this, with 

 the exception of Pusa sibirica (possibly as a synapomorphy with Pusa hispida; ACCTRAN 

 optimization). 



*156) supinator (= lateral epicondylar) ridge on humerus: 0 = absent; 1 = present (Wyss 

 1988a). 



With recoding, this character was included in character #157. 



157) relative degree of development of supinator (= lateral epicondylar) ridge on humerus: 

 0 = weak; 1 = medium; 2 = strong; 9 = absent (King 1966; Wyss 1988a). 

 King (1966) initially used this character to distinguish between the phocines (state 2) and 

 the monachines (state 0). While agreeing with this distribution, Wyss (1988a) added 

 outgroup information. In noting the absence of the supinator ridge in the otarioids (also 

 Howell 1928) and its generally strong development among fissiped carnivores, Wyss 

 (1988a) considered the presence of the ridge in phocines to be a reversal to the primitive 

 (possibly at the level of the carnivores) condition. In contrast, de Muizon & Hendey ( 1980) 

 felt the supinator ridge to be a primitive feature among phocids. 



