The craniology and relationships of four species of Bos 3. Basic craniology: Bos taurus L. Sagittal profiles and other non-measurable characters

Abstract

This is the 3rd in a series on the craniology of 4 spp. of Bos and it is the last of the 3 papers in which the skulls of British domestic cattle are used in an attempt to establish a basic craniology for the genus. Part 1 dealt with nomenclature, material, history, age assessment and absolute size. Part 2 dealt with cranial proportions and angles. This paper deals first with sagittal profiles and then with other non-measureable characters. Sagittal profiles may be rounded or pointed with some intermediate forms. The rounded shape (an infantile character) persists throughout life in some breeds and is unaffected by age, sex or size. The pointed form develops with age in some breeds and is probably more marked in older and larger animsls. Seventeen other minor characters are examined for the effects of age, sex, breed and size.