河南济源中始新世似两栖犀属(奇蹄目：两栖犀科)一新种(英文)

描述了河南济源盆地中始新统聂庄组似两栖犀属(Amynodontopsis)一新种:济源似两栖犀(A. jiyuanensis sp. nov.),材料为一成年头骨。新种除了具有长头型,颅顶上凸,前颌骨和鼻骨连接,眶前窝较大并向眼眶内侧延伸,M1反前刺发育,M3后附尖强烈偏向唇侧等似两栖犀属的典型特征外,与其他似两栖犀的区别在于鼻骨较长,前颌骨鼻突在侧面向后延伸较多,与鼻骨接触面较大,上颌骨未参与构成外鼻孔边缘,鼻切迹位于犬齿后齿缺上方,上臼齿原脊和后脊相对较长,近于与外脊垂直。新种所具有的一系列原始特征表明济源似两栖犀比其他似两栖犀更原始。动物群对比显示其时代为沙拉木伦期,早于其他似两栖犀,由此推测似两栖犀属起源于亚洲并扩散至北美。     

陕西蓝田灞河组乌米兽亚科(Urmiatheriinae,Bovidae)一新属

记乌米兽亚科 (Urmiatheriinae,Bovidae)一新属 :Lantiantraguslongirostralisgen .etsp .nov.。其主要特征是个体大 ;脸部窄而高 ;吻部细长 ,前颌骨与鼻骨接触 ;鼻骨狭长 ,背面平 ,前端无侧翼 ;鼻切迹位置靠前 ;眶下孔位置低 ,位于P3之上方 ;颊齿中等高冠 ,臼齿列长 ,前臼齿列与臼齿列之长度比小于 60 % ;一珐琅质中孔出现在磨蚀的上臼齿两叶之间 ,靠近唇侧 ;下第一门齿不增大 ;p4的下后尖指向后内 ,与下内尖相连 ;下臼齿具底柱 ;c～p2之间的齿隙长等。它出现在陕西蓝田灞河组下部 ,生存时代为晚中新世早期。     

A SKULL OF HIPPARION (PROBOSCIDIPPARION) SINENSE ( PERISSODACTYLA, EQUIDAE) FROM LONGDAN,DONGXIANG OF NORTHWESTERN CHINA——Addition to the Early Pleistocene Longdan Mammalian Fauna (3)

报道了在甘肃省东乡县龙担地点发现的中国长鼻三趾马Hipparion(Proboscidipparion)sinense头骨化石.此前在早更新世龙担动物群中记述过的长鼻三趾马材料仅有一枚第三掌骨,头骨化石的发现不仅使该动物群的三趾马种级分类得到证实,同时扩大了对这个种头骨和牙齿特征的认识.由于最初建种的正型标本为老年个体,此后也未发现过中国长鼻三趾马的完好头骨化石,因此龙担的新材料将为该种的特征补充更多重要的信息,尤其是鼻切迹的构成.其鼻骨下部呈一细窄条状向前强烈延伸,组成鼻颌切迹下缘的后部,其前端尖,到达P2/P3界线水平,与前颌骨鼻突的末梢间有30 mm的距离.这些特征的识别对判断长鼻三趾马的系统关系有重要意义.     

陕西蓝田灞河组乌米兽亚科(Urmiatheriinae,Bovidae)一新属

记乌米兽亚科(Unniatheriinae,Bovidae)-新属：Lantiantragus longirostralis gen．etsp．nov．。其主要特征是个体大;脸部窄而高;吻部细长,前颌骨与鼻骨接触;鼻骨狭长,背面平,前端无侧翼;鼻切迹位置靠前;眶下孔位置低,位于P3之上方;颊齿中等高冠,臼齿列长,前臼齿列与臼齿列之长度比小于60％;一珐琅质中孔出现在磨蚀的上臼齿两叶之间,靠近唇侧;下第一门齿不增大;p4的下后尖指向后内,与下内尖相连;下臼齿具底柱;c～p2之间的齿隙长等。它出现在陕西蓝田灞河组下部,生存时代为晚中新世早期。     

甘肃东乡龙担的长鼻三趾马头骨化石——龙担哺乳动物群补充报道之三(英文)

报道了在甘肃省东乡县龙担地点发现的中国长鼻三趾马Hipparion(Proboscidipparion)sinense头骨化石。此前在早更新世龙担动物群中记述过的长鼻三趾马材料仅有一枚第三掌骨,头骨化石的发现不仅使该动物群的三趾马种级分类得到证实,同时扩大了对这个种头骨和牙齿特征的认识。由于最初建种的正型标本为老年个体,此后也未发现过中国长鼻三趾马的完好头骨化石,因此龙担的新材料将为该种的特征补充更多重要的信息,尤其是鼻切迹的构成。其鼻骨下部呈一细窄条状向前强烈延伸,组成鼻颌切迹下缘的后部,其前端尖,到达P2/P3界线水平,与前颌骨鼻突的末梢间有30mm的距离。这些特征的识别对判断长鼻三趾马的系统关系有重要意义。     

豪猪化石在临夏盆地的新发现(英文)

近年来,在甘肃临夏盆地又发现了4件豪猪类的头骨化石,它们属于Hystrix的一新种,被命名为短吻豪猪(Hystrix brevirostra)。该种的主要特征是,个体大,头骨相对较低宽,吻部和齿隙较短,较短的鼻骨的后缘为向后凸的弧形,其后端约与泪骨相对。下颌骨的下齿隙较短,凹入较深。颊齿齿冠较H. gansuensis者稍低,较H. lufengensis者稍高。DP4的舌侧沟不与颊侧褶I相连,P4的舌侧沟伸向中脊,不与颊侧褶II相连。邓涛等(2011)曾将产于对康的一件豪猪头骨化石鉴定为H. gansuensis。现研究表明,他们描述的标本(HMV2003)应属于不同于H. gansuensis的新种:H. brevirostra。将H. brevirostra (新种)的幼年的头骨与成年的头骨比较后发现,豪猪头骨的一些特征随着年龄的增长而有所变化:硬腭和鼻骨后缘的相对位置均随着年龄的增长而逐渐后移,两上颊齿列在幼年彼此稍向后靠近,但在成年则彼此平行等。关于百花村(LX 200205)和山城(LX 200041)两地点产豪猪化石层位的时代,根据共生的哺乳动物群分析,其时代为晚中新世晚期。产于我国新近纪的豪猪化石目前仅已知3种(H. gansuensis, H. lufengensis和H. brevirostra)。新种H. brevirostra可能比H. lufengensis稍进步,但较H. gansuensis稍原始。由于H. brevirostra的吻部较H. gansuensis和H. lufengensis者都短,它可能代表不同于该两种的另一进化支系。     

内蒙古二连盆地呼和勃尔和剖面中始新世仓鼠类化石(英文)

描述了产自内蒙古二连盆地呼和勃尔和剖面伊尔丁曼哈组底部砂岩中的3种仓鼠类化石:内蒙古祖仓鼠(新种)Pappocricetodon neimongolensis sp.nov.,中条祖仓鼠(相似种)Pappocricetodon cf.P. zhongtiaensis和祖仓鼠(未定种)Pappocricetodon sp.。P.neimongolensis的特征是有P4或者DP4;M1前附尖细小,前叶小,原尖前棱通常至原小尖横向延伸,再转向前颊侧与前附尖相连,无原尖后棱,原小尖与前尖通过前脊相连;M2原尖后棱较为发育;M3次尖不退化;m1下后尖比下原尖位置靠前;m2下原尖后棱完整,连接下后尖或直达下后尖基部;m3不退化,下外脊S型。新种形态与早期仓鼠类Pappocricetodon antiquus接近,但又略显原始。同时,在该层位还出现有M1前叶已经增大的Pappocricetodon sp.和中脊发育的Pappocricetodon cf.P.zhongtiaensis,表明当时仓鼠类已出现多样化,其起源可能要早于中始新世的伊尔丁曼哈期。     

江苏泗洪早中新世下草湾组仓鼠科化石(英文)

描述了20世纪80年代在江苏泗洪早中新世下草湾组采集的5属5种仓鼠类动物化石,其中包括1新属和4新种,即Eumyarioninae亚科的Alloeumyarion sihongensis gen.et sp.nov.,Cricetodontinae亚科的Cricetodon wanhei sp.nov.,Copemyinae亚科的Primus pusillus sp.nov.和Democricetodon suensis sp.nov.,以及Megacricetodontinae亚科的Megacricetodon sinensis Qiu et al.,1981。Cricetodon,Democricetodon和Megacricetodon属常见于早、中新世地层,并有较广泛的地理分布;Primus属仅发现于印度次大陆下中新统;新属Alloeumyarion可能与Eumyarion属有较接近的亲缘关系。泗洪发现的仓鼠是该哺乳动物群中种类最多、材料最丰富的一类啮齿动物。泗洪地点位于现代东洋界与古北界的过渡地带,这一化石组合的出现为我国中新世哺乳动物地理及其演变的研究提供了有用的证据。根据仓鼠类化石的研究,下草湾组的时代很可能属于早中新世晚期,或者是中国陆相哺乳动物时代的山旺期,大体相当于欧洲陆相哺乳动物时代的奥尔良期或MN4带的时代。这些新属和新种的特征如下:异美鼠(新属)(Alloeumyarion gen.nov):美鼠亚科中个体中等者。牙齿低冠;齿尖中度鼓胀、趋于脊形。上臼齿三根,内谷前指向,原脊和后脊近横向平行排列,无前尖后刺;M1前叶前后向伸长,前边尖简单,有宽大的后边谷,但无前脊刺;M2的原脊稍前指向,舌侧与原尖前边连接;M3的后部明显退化。下臼齿双根,下外谷横向、近对称;m1下前边尖简单,下前脊单一,下原尖和下次尖的后臂不很发育;m2无下次尖后臂。万合古仓鼠(新种)(Cricetodon wanhei sp.nov.):个体中等大小。M1和M2四齿根,在早期磨蚀的牙齿中有清楚的后边谷,但外脊发育弱;M1的前边尖简单或略微分开;M2前边脊舌侧支模糊;M3冠面近圆形,多数牙齿的内谷为连接原尖和次尖的脊封闭,时见原脊后刺;m1具双下后脊和短的下中脊;m3与m2等长或比m2稍大,具短的下前边脊舌侧支。细先鼠(新种)(Primus pusillus sp.nov.):个体小。M1的前叶前后向较短,前边尖和前边脊弱,原脊略后指与原尖后臂连接,后脊稍前指与次尖前臂相连;m1具较宽且呈刀形的前边尖,下次脊前指向。苏众古仓鼠(新种)(Democricetodon suensis sp.nov.):个体中等大小,颊齿低冠,齿尖和齿脊较弱,臼齿中脊的长度一般在中长至长之间,上臼齿的双原脊不甚发育。M1的前边尖简单而窄,原尖前臂和原脊II间常有一脊相连;M2的后脊横向或稍前向;M2和M3多具"轴脊"("axi-oloph");m1的下前边尖单一而窄小;多数m1和m2有下外中脊;m3的下中脊通常显著。     

甘肃和政晚中新世许氏鼠(啮齿类：鼠科)头骨化石（英文）

描述了甘肃临夏盆地晚中新世柳树组中采集到的一件鼠亚科具下颌骨的头骨和数节颈椎化石(IVPP V 16288)。该头骨代表许氏鼠的一新种,被命名为亚洲许氏鼠(Huerzelerimysasiaticussp.nov.)。这是许氏鼠头骨的首次发现。其主要特征是:个体较小;头骨较宽短,具较宽短的吻部和较窄的眶间区;有较发达的前颌骨侧背嵴;两额嵴弱,近于平行;门齿孔长,向后延伸至M1前齿根舌侧;后颚孔位于M2舌侧;硬颚后缘位于M3之后;无翼间孔;具骨质的翼蝶管和膨大的听泡;内颈动脉孔的位置靠近基结节;下颌骨水平支较低,齿隙凹入较深;咬肌嵴伸至m1前缘下方;颏孔位于m1的前下方,咬肌嵴前方,靠近齿隙;I2为垂直伸型;M1的t1位置较H. exiguus靠前;M1和M2的t6和t9的连接脊明显,t12为低的脊形;M2的t1和t3以及M3的t1均与t5连;M3有t3和较大而孤立的t8;m1的下前中尖(Acc)明显,与颊侧下前边尖(Abc)和舌侧下前边尖(Alc)l两尖连;m1和m2颊侧齿带明显,有较大的c2与下原尖相连,后根为低弱的脊形;m2和m3的Abc孤立;m3无c1等。根据H. asiaticus的进化程度,H. aisaticus的产出时代可能比H. exiguus的稍晚,为灞河期晚期,大致与欧洲MN11上部或MN12下部的时代相当。     

(鱼句)亚科花(鱼骨)型鱼类骨骼系统的比较

对我国花型Hemibarbuspattern鱼类作了骨骼系统比较,结果表明,此类型鱼类脑颅较长,副蝶骨平直或稍弯曲,眶蝶骨腹纵嵴发达(铜鱼Coreius septentrionalis例外),下颞窝和咽突中等大,基枕骨后突发达;脑颅中的上筛骨的后突、侧筛骨的外筛突,蝶耳骨的外突、上耳骨的后突、围眶骨和后颞窝等均有明显的差异;咽颅中的舌颌骨、尾舌骨、鳃盖骨和下咽齿的列数等又有显著的区别;附肢骨骼中的腰带骨、脊椎骨中的复合神经骨和第4椎骨腹侧的悬器等也有不同之处。据此,这些差异和区别可作为属间或种间的分类依据。     

AN ALMOST COMPLETE JUVENILE SPECIMEN OF THE CHELONIID TURTLE CTENOCHELYS STENOPORUS (HAY, 1905) FROM THE UPPER CRETACEOUS NIOBRARA FORMATION OF KANSAS,USA

Abstract: A new, unusually well‐preserved juvenile specimen of Ctenochelys stenoporus from the Niobrara Formation is described. The skull has come apart at its sutures and all bones of the braincase and ear region are preserved three‐dimensionally. This allows a detailed reconstruction of the important brain structures of a basal juvenile cheloniid turtle. It is compared with adult Ctenochelys specimens, and the major ontogenetic changes in the skull and postcranial skeleton are described. Furthermore, the specimen is compared with other fossil and extant cheloniids with well‐known braincases and the differences between basal and advanced cheloniids turtles are specified.     

Comparative growth in the postnatal skull of the extant North American turtle Pseudemys texana (Testudinoidea: Emydidae)

Bever, G.S. 2007. Comparative growth in the postnatal skull of the extant North American turtle Pseudemys texana (Testudinoidea: Emydidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 88 : 000–000 Postnatal growth is one of the many aspects of developmental morphology that remains distinctly understudied in reptiles. Variation and ontogenetic scaling within the skull of the extant emydid turtle, Pseudemys texana is described based on 25 continuous characters. Results indicate that skull shape in this species changes little during postnatal growth relative to the only cryptodire taxa for which comparable datasets are available (Apalone ferox and Sternotherus odoratus). This relative lack of change results in the paedomorphic retention of a largely juvenile appearance in the adult form of P. texana. The skulls of males and females, despite the presence of distinct sexual dimorphism in size, grow with similar scaling patterns, and the few observed differences appear to reflect alteration of the male growth trajectory. Comparisons with A. ferox and S. odoratus reveal a number of similarities and differences that are here interpreted within a phylogenetic context. These preliminary hypotheses constitute predictive statements that phylogenetically bracket the majority of extant cryptodire species and provide baseline comparative data that are necessary for the future recognition of apomorphic transformations. Plasticity of ontogenetic scaling as a response to the homeostatic needs and behaviour of individuals commonly is evoked as a limitation of ontogenetic scaling as a means to inform phylogenetic studies. These evocations are largely unfounded considering that variability itself can evolve and thus be phylogenetically informative.     

An ontogenetic perspective on the study of sexual dimorphism, phylogenetic variability, and allometry of the skull of European ground squirrel, Spermophilus citellus (Linnaeus, 1766)

Most studies of morphological variability in or among species are performed on adult specimens. However, it has been proven that knowledge of the patterns of size and shape changes and their covariation during ontogeny is of great value for the understanding of the processes that produce morphological variation. In this study, we investigated the patterns of sexual dimorphism, phylogenetic variability, and ontogenetic allometry in the Spermophilus citellus with geometric morphometrics applied to cross-sectional ontogenetic data of 189 skulls from three populations (originating from Burgenland, Banat, and Dojran) belonging to two phylogenetic lineages (the Northern and Southern). Our results indicate that sexual dimorphism in the ventral cranium of S. citellus is expressed only in skull size and becomes apparent just before or after the first hibernation because of accelerated growth in juvenile males. Sexes had the same pattern of ontogenetic allometry. Populations from Banat and Dojran, belonging to different phylogroups, were the most different in size but had the most similar adult skull shape. Phylogenetic relations among populations, therefore, did not reflect skull morphology, which is probably under a significant influence of ecological factors. Populations had parallel allometric trajectories, indicating that alterations in development probably occur prenatally. The species’ allometric relations during cranial growth showed characteristic nonlinear trajectories in the two northern populations, with accelerated shape changes in juveniles and continued but almost isometric growth in adults. The adult cranial shape was reached before sexual maturity of both sexes and adult size after sexual maturity. The majority of shape changes during growth are probably correlated with the shift from a liquid to a solid diet and to a lesser degree due to allometric scaling, which explained only 20 % of total shape variation. As expected, viscerocranial components grew with positive and neurocranial with negative allometry.     

A population study of the metastrongylid nematode Skrjabingylus nasicola in the weasel Mustela nivalis

Analyses of adult worms of Skrjabingylus nasicola occurring in the nasal sinuses of the weasel Mustela nivalis from three localities in the British Isles show that the intensity of infestation can be correlated with increasing severity of skull damage, which in turn increases as the weasel ages. It is suggested that, apart from hormonal differences, the smaller sized female skull is likely to be linked with lower levels of infestation in female compared with male weasels. Also a reduction in mean worm length in female skulls and in heavy infestations of S. nasicola is probably the result of a "crowding effect", previously described for other helminth infections in the definitive host. Crowding appears to have no effect on the sex ratio of worm populations, although there is a tendency for the ratio of female: male worms to increase in female weasels. Reasons for this are discussed.     

Les restes humains du Pliocène final et du début du Pléistocène inférieur de Dmanissi, Géorgie (1991-2000). I - Les crânes, D 2280, D 2282, D 2700

Since 1991, several human remains: 5 skulls, 4 mandibles and numerous postcranial fragments have been discovered on the Dmanissi prehistoric open site. It is an exceptional discovery due to the stratigraphical, paleontological and cultural context, which is well known and accurately well dated (Upper Pliocene-Early Pleistocene). Most of the hominids discovered in the level V and VI are dated between 1.81 My (level V) and 1.77 My (level VI) corresponding to a 40,000 years period. The assemblage of fossil human remains is peculiar due to (1) the quality of bone representation (distinct parts of the skeleton are preserved: skull, thorax, upper and lower limbs, belt), (2) the high degree of bone preservation (skulls and long bones are entire, rarely broken or crushed), (3) the diversity age at death estimated for each of the 5 individuals (3 adults, 1 young adult, 1 adolescent of both sexes). The study dealing with the first discovered mandibles and skulls has begun with Leo Gabounia since 1991 and represents several interests: 1) a paleoanthropological interest: the Dmanissi skulls are characterized by their small size; they are short, narrow and low. The skullcaps are less elevated than those of the Homo erectus group and even those of Homo ergaster. They are more elevated than those of Homo habilis and very close to Homo rudolfensis. The elevation and the transversal development of the middle part of the skull in the parietotemporal region are more significant: the Dmanissi specimens are intermediate between Homo habilis and Homo ergaster. In term of cranial capacity, a similar trend is observed. Generally speaking, the skull is slender. The vault is more flat than in Homo erectus, the frontal bone is less developed, divergent and the postorbital constriction is strong. The temporal bone is long, flat and the mastoid part is short. The upper part of the occipital bone is low and narrow. Crests are thin, less developed than in the Homo erectus group. The superior temporal crests are in a high position and a torus angularis is present on the adult-male specimen. The glenoid cavity is large with strong edges. The petrotympanic region is slender with a tympanic circle individualized and it shows a horizontal rotation in a posterior position, which is distinct from Homo erectus. The orthognathic trend of the face distinguishes the Dmanissi specimens from the early Pleistocene hominids (Homo habilis, Homo ergaster) and from the first Eurasian Homo erectus. Nevertheless, the subnasal region of the face is projected. The morphology of the mid-face, showing a developed pillar of the canine, an inframalar incurvation and an anterior position of the root of the zygomaticomaxillary crest, suggests strong masticatory stress. Considering the overall morphology, cranial and metrical features, the Dmanissi fossil skulls are intermediate to the Homo habilis-rudolfensis group and Homo ergaster while they are closer to the former and peculiarly to Homo rudolfensis (ER 1470). However, the Dmanissi fossil skulls are distinct from Homo rudolfensis by numerous features and among them: by their large maximum cranial width (Euryon-Euryon), the posterior rotation of their petrotympanic structure and the strong development of the pillar of their canine. Due to the gracility of their face, the narrowness of their occipital bone, and their cranial base pattern (mastoid region and petrotympanic structure), the Dmanissi fossil skulls are different from the Homo erectus group: 2) the abundance of the human fossils discovered in Dmanissi site provides information about the biodiversity of these hominids with the establishment of the morphological features related to either growth or sexual patterns: 3) compared to modern humans, the Dmanissi fossil skulls seem to follow a different growth pattern. The present study of the fossil skulls discovered is a pioneer step. Indeed, the Dmanissi site has yielded the oldest evidences of the first settlements in Eurasia, which were, until now, attributed to Homo erectus. The Dmanissi fossil skulls are close to the Homo habilis-rudolfensis African group. We attribute these hominids to Homo georgicus.     

First report of Troglotrema acutum (Digenea, Troglotrematidae) in the Eurasian badger Meles meles in the Iberian Peninsula and presumptive lesions caused in the host

A total of 109 badger Meles meles skulls from Catalonia (north-eastern Iberian Peninsula) were studied for helminths. The tremadode Troglotrema acutum is reported here for the first time in the Eurasian badger in the Iberian Peninsula and southern Europe. Three methodologies were used to detect this trematode: an examination for surface lesions, axial computed tomography and fresh skull dissection. The damage caused in the affected skulls is described, along with details regarding the use of computed tomography to detect hyperostosis, leakage in the sinus structure and bone surface erosion in the affected skulls.     

Macroscopic and roentgenographic anatomy of the skull of the ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Normal macroscopic and roentgenographic features of the skull of the ferret (Mustela putorius furo) were examined and described. Data were based on a sample of 100 (50 male and 50 female) adult ferrets of known body weight and age. The skull was described macroscopically according to six standard views, i.e. dorsal, lateral, ventral, caudal, cranial and midsagittal. The mandible was described separately. The roentgenographic characteristics of the ferret skull were demonstrated only in lateral and dorsoventral projections. Furthermore, the skull length and width as well as the minimum frontal width were measured, and skull indices were derived from relevant measurements. Sexual dimorphism was examined both morphologically and craniometrically. Besides the common features of a carnivore skull, the ferret skull is relatively elongated and flat with a short facial region. The skulls of adult male ferrets are about 17% longer and 22% wider than those of the females. Significant sexual dimorphism also exists regarding certain skull indices. The general features and some dimensional parameters of the adult ferret skull support the contention that the ferret would be an interesting and workable alternative animal model in craniofacial research.     

Cranial ontogenetic variability,sex ratio and age structure of the Red fox

Describing the sex ratio, age structure of the population and ontogenetic variability of Red fox, Vulpes vulpes (Canidae, Carnivora) skull parameters, this study is based on 416 male and 289 female skulls collected in the Czech Republic. The skulls analysed came from feral individuals, that were shot by hunters. The male to female ratio was 1:0.69 regarding the whole population. Individuals younger than one year prevailed in the population (54% males, 48% females were in their first year of life). Four growth patterns of skull dimensions were described. The first group included mainly skull length dimensions (e.g. condylobasal length). They grew rapidly until the sixth month of life, becoming stabilised afterwards. The second group comprised parameters that were stable throughout the life (e.g. cheek tooth rows). Measurements representing the third growth pattern showed continual growth (mainly width dimensions, e.g. zygomatic breadth). Conversely, smaller dimensions of postorbital breadth were observed after the sixth month of life. Postorbital breadth represented the fourth growth pattern. It was concluded, that male and female Red foxes had similar ontogenetic skull development, even though there were some differences, e.g. in jugular breadth, which increased after the age of six months in males unlike in females.     

The effect of artificial cranial deformation on the incidence of wormian bones in the lambdoidal suture

One hundred and twenty adult and 80 human fetal skulls were examined to find the relationship (if any) between the presence of wormian bones in the lambdoidal suture and artificial deformation of the skull. Wormian bones occur in deformed and undeformed skulls with no significant differences. Wormian bones detected in fetal skulls preclude cultural deformation as an important factor in the formation of these bones. It is hypothesized that a genetic predisposition (genes allowing formation of secondary ossification centers) is present and that wormian bones are under direct genetic control regardless of the presence or absence of detectable cultural deformation.