. Cassell's natural history. Animals; Animal behavior. WALRUS FAMILY (TRICHECHIDiE). This family in some points resembles the Eai-ecl Seals, or Otaries, and in others approaches the Earless Seals, or Phociihe. The characters of the family are mainly, if not wholly, dei-ivecl from the Walrus, the only living representative. There are no external ears, but a faii'-sized opening indicates the passage. Both sexes, when adult, possess two immense tiisks in the upper jaw, quite a notable feature. Along with this, there is full development of the bony pai-ts to accommodate them, and the huge,
. Cassell's natural history. Animals; Animal behavior. WALRUS FAMILY (TRICHECHIDiE). This family in some points resembles the Eai-ecl Seals, or Otaries, and in others approaches the Earless Seals, or Phociihe. The characters of the family are mainly, if not wholly, dei-ivecl from the Walrus, the only living representative. There are no external ears, but a faii'-sized opening indicates the passage. Both sexes, when adult, possess two immense tiisks in the upper jaw, quite a notable feature. Along with this, there is full development of the bony pai-ts to accommodate them, and the huge, though abnijjtly truncated nmzzle, is garnished with long and remarkably strong bristly moustaches. The semilunar-shaped nostrils, situated above these, are dilated or powerfully compressed at will, by the thick, fleshy muscles of the upper lip. The eye is smaller than in the Otai-iidw and Phocidse. The body, especially its hinder pait, is also heavier. The tail seems absent, though, in reality, nearly reaching to the heels, but a broad flap of skin stretches across from leg to leg, and binding these, hides the tail. The hind limbs appear shorter than in the two neighbouring families, but the above tail-mem- 1^, ,A , a nr 1 brane is wider, and allows greater freedom to HEAD or (Modi/crl n/lci-Mld-Rj ' " the legs and feet. Tlie thi-ee middle toes are shortest, as is the case with the Common Seals, but not the Otaries. The fore-legs are of inter- mediate length, strong, stumpy, and although the thumb is biggest, there is a certain equality in the length of the toes. The fore feet, as well as the hind feet, are sufficiently free to be laid flat on the ground. The nails are diminutive, and not claw- like, and the soles of the feet are unusually rough and warty. The tongue is smooth, and not cleft at the tip.' The dental series is as follows :—Incisors, J~-'; canines, J~J; premolars, ^£|; molars, J=% = 24 The tusks, or upper canines, lie outside and almost in front
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjecta, booksubjectanimals
