A contribution to the cranial morphology of the African burrowing lizard Feylinia polyepis (Bocage)
Date
1971
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The various skull components of Feylinia polylepis are described and compared with those of other limbless, burrowing lizards and in particular with burrowing skikns. The structure of the palate confirms that Feylinia is a degenerate skink and that recent classifications are correct in placing it under the family Scincidae rather than assigning it family rank.
De Witte and Laurent (1943) are shown to be correct in placing Feylinia as the end form in a line of descent that includes Melanoseps (=Scelotes) and Typhlacontias.
They are also correct in regarding the Feylinia group as divergent from the other African line of degenerate burrowers namely Acontias and Typhlosaurus.
Description
Thesis (M. Sc.) -- University of Stellenbosch, 1971.
Keywords
Polylepis, Lizards -- Morphology, Dissertations -- Zoology, UCTD