Hemivertebrae as Pathology and as a Window to Behavior in the Fossil Record

Authors

  • David A. Burnham University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045, U.S.A.; Corresponding Author: David A. Burnham
  • Bruce M. Rothschild Babiarz Institute of Paleontological Studies, 2558 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213
  • John P. Babiarz Babiarz Institute of Paleontological Studies, 2558 E. Lehi Rd., Mesa, AZ 85213
  • Larry D. Martin

Keywords:

Nimravid, Scoliosis, Pathology

Abstract

An extinct feline ecomorph Hoplophoneus was afflicted with a congenital anomaly (hemivertebra) not previously observed in cats and not previously reported in fossil mammals. The position of the hemivertebrae provided little opportunity for other cervical vertebrae to compensate for the resultant 40-degree deformity

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Published

2020-11-20

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 5 (2013): Palarch’s Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology

Section

Original Article