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Re-examination of the basicranial anatomy of the Megachiroptera
1Department of Prehistory and Anthropology, Australian National University, Acton.
Abstract:
Basicranial anatomy is helpful in attempts at reconstructing phylogenetic relationships. Recent descriptions of megachiropteran basicrania contradict earlier reports from the beginning of the century and support a monophyletic origin of the Chiroptera. The anatomy of the carotid circulation and the tympanic cavity in the Megachiroptera is examined here, and the results are compared with the two previous conflicting reports. The results from this investigation support the earlier studies and refute some of the basicranial synapomorphies supporting chiropteran monophyly.
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