Wits Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI)
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Item On the skeleton of Aneugomphius ictidoceps Broom and Robinson(Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, 1958-06-01) Brink, A. S.The skeleton of Aneugomphius ictidoceps was not taken into consideration with the original description and became separated from the type skull. After the present author had submitted a more detailed description of the type skull for publication, the skeleton was discovered where it had been kept in store. Subsequently the skeleton was cleaned and is described and figured in this paper. A dorsal and a side view of the reconstructed skeleton are also given.Item Struthiocephalus kitchingi sp. nov.(1958-06-01) Brink, A. S.In this paper a new species of the Tapinocephalid Dinocephalian Struthiocephalus (S. kitchingi) is described, based on a good skull without lower jaw, adding not only to our knowledge of the structure of the skull of this genus, but also exhibiting more pronounced features on the strength of which some idea may be formed regarding the mode of living of the animal. This specimen differs appreciably from the known species, S. whaitsi, S. rheederi, S. milleri, and S. akraalensis, but where some of the differences appear even to transgress the generic boundary, it is considered that previous descriptions are not based on absolutely perfect material. Even the present specimen does not exhibit its structural detail so clearly that a wrong interpretation should be considered as excluded.Item Note on a new skeleton of Thrinaxodon Liorhinus(Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, 1959-07-01) Brink, A. S.This is a short paper presenting two figures of a Thrinaxodon liorhinus skeleton, which is peculiarly curled as though the animal died under peaceful circumstances. An attempt is made to find an explanation for this peculiar attitude, but a more interesting aspect about the specimen is that it demonstrates the absence of any adverse influence which the overlapping processes of the ribs had on the general flexibility of the vertebral column.Item A new small Thecodont from the Red beds of the Stormberg series(Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, 1959-07-01) Brink, A. S.This paper describes a new form of Thecodont, apparently Ornithosuchid, from the Stormberg series of the Karroo system of South Africa. The description is based on the anterior two thirds of a very small skull, the total length being approximately 30 mm. Preservation is not satisfactory enough to permit an accurate evaluation of its true relationship. It is recognised as a new genus and species: Clarencea gracilis.Item Notes on some Whaitsiids and Moschorhinids(Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, 1959-07-01) Brink, A. S.This paper contains descriptions of five genera. The first is a redescription of the type specimen of Notosollasia boonstrai, which has been additionally cleaned since it was first introduced. It has, lodged in its "throat", the crushed skull of a "Dicynodon" and circumstances indicate that the Notosollasia died while devouring its prey. The second specimen is recognised as perhaps representing the doubtful genus Notaelurops. It was earlier identified as a small Notosollasia longiceps. The third specimen is not a Whaitsiid, but being a contemporary form with some vague affinities to Moschorhinus, it is taken into consideration. It is named Hewittia albanensis gen. et sp. nov. A snout of Moschorhinus kitchingi, also mentioned in a previous publication, is redescribed and figured. The fifth specimen is a beautiful and complete skull of a new species, Moschorhinus natalensis, the first specimen of this genus that has the whole of the posterior half of the skull preserved and it is peculiar in that it dates from the Lystrosaurus-zone. An interesting new arrangement in the replacement of the canines in this family is analysed.Item Speculations on some advanced mammalian characteristics in the higher mammal-like reptiles(The Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, 1957) Brink, A. S.This paper deals with a number of skeletal characters of the higher mammal-like reptiles from which inferences may be drawn regarding soft anatomical and physiological features. Although these characters, when evaluated individually, do not indicate conclusively the exact proximity of these animals to truly mammalian conditions, the collective evidence and mutual support which they afford suggest that enlightening progress can be made towards establishing the following: the significance of the mammalian single dental succession, secondary palate, ethmoturbinals, as related to a high constant blood temperature; the latter's relationship, in turn, to hair and sweat glands; the origin of milk glands; and the mode and significance of mammalian birth. These considerations throw some instructive light on the origin of mammals.Item Note on a very tiny specimen of Thrinaxodon liorhinus(Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, 1955) Brink, A. S.This paper describes a specimen of Thrinaxodon liorhinus, evidently a mature female, with a very tiny specimen closely associated with it in the same nodule. Attention is largely given to tooth replacement. The conclusion arrived at is that Thrinaxodon has not yet reached that stage in evolution where light is thrown on the development of the typical mammalian arrangement of dental succession.Item On Nanoparia Broom(Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, 1955) Brink, A. S.New information on the types of Nanoparia pricei and Nanoparia luckhoffi are given in this paper. Differences between the two species recognised previously are disputed and a number of different distinguishing characteristics is suggested. The new information could be revealed as a result of further development of the specimens. The type of N. pricei includes a portion of the skeleton, developed after the skull was described. This portion reveals an interesting arrangement of dermal scutes.Item On the Cynognathidae(1955) Brink, A. S.In this paper attention is drawn to the fact that the family Cynognathidae is as a whole very badly known and in need of taxonomic revision. Unfortunately the author had too little material available to attempt a proper revision, but some suggestions are made. The paper starts with a brief historical account and continues with descriptions of a lower jaw of a Cynognathid, evidently belonging to the genus Lycaenognathus. This specimen belongs to the Bernard Price Institute. Attention is further drawn to the complete absence of convincing characteristics for distinguishing between the genera Cynognathus and Cynidiognathus, but they are nevertheless acknowledged as distinct genera. Four specimens are described as Cynidiognathus merenskyi , one of which belongs to the Bernard Price Institute and the other three to the National Museum, Bloemfontein.