On the jaw musculature and relationships of Petrodromus tetradactylus (Mammalia, Macroscelidea). American Museum novitates ; no. 2613

Abstract

"The jaw musculature of the elephant shrew, Petrodromus tetradactylus, is dissected and compared with rabbits and other mammals. Three derived characters (completely divided internal pterygoid, relatively large pterygoid musculature, and distinct pars reflexa of superficial masseter) are shared by elephant shrews and rabbits. Aardvarks and edentates share large pterygoid musculature, whereas rodents share a distinct pars reflexa with rabbits and elephant shrews. These characters indicate a close relationship between these groups. Some other placentals also share these derived characters. However, no judgment as to possible relationships with elephant shrews and rabbits is made"--P [1].