Astragalar Morphology of Selected Giraffidae

摘要: The artiodactyl astragalus has been modified to exhibit two trochleae, creating a double pullied structure allowing for significant dorso-plantar motion, and limited mediolateral motion. is partly influenced by environmental substrates, correspondingly, morphometric studies can yield paleohabitat information. present study establishes terminology describes detailed morphological features on giraffid astragali. Each exhibits unique combination of anatomical characteristics. astragalar morphologies reinforce previously established phylogenetic relationships. We find that the enlargement navicular head feature shared all giraffids, primitive giraffids possess exceptionally tall heads in relation total height. sivatheres okapi share reduced notch lateral edge astragalus. Samotherium more than Palaeotragus, which reinforced tooth characteristics ossicone position. Diagnostic characters allow species identifications better understanding Giraffidae.