ON CYRBASIODON BOYCEI, BROOM 1931, (CYNODONTIA PROCYNOSUCHIDAE), FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Date
1972
Authors
Mendrez, Christiane Helene
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BERNARD PRICE INSTITUTE FOR PALAEONTOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Abstract
The revision of the type of Cyrbasiodon boycei has led the author to conclude that
the maxilla, which constitutes this type, bears fourteen teeth corresponding to a complete
maxillary series: 3 precanines, 1 canine and 10 postcanines. The general pattern of the
teeth and the aspect of a remnant of secondary palate agree with those of the Cynodontia Procynosuchidae. Within this family, Cyrbasiodon can be favourably compared with the
genera Leavachia and Parathrinaxodon. However, because of the anterior breadth of the
palatal process of the maxilla, the different number of precanines, and of a slight
difference in the canine's ornamentation, it seems preferable to maintain Cyrbasiodon as
a separate genus, until the variations of the other Procynosuchidae are better known. The
comparison of the tooth pattern of the Procynosuchidae with that of Diarthrognathus has
shown strong similarities leading to the conclusion that the tooth pattern of the former
foreshadows that of the latter.