The history and homology of the os paradoxum or dumb-bell-shaped bone of the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Mammalia, Monotremata)

The os paradoxum or dumb-bell-shaped bone is a paired bone occurring in the middle of the specialized bill of the platypus Or-nithorhynchus anatinus. It has been variously considered as a neomorph of the platypus, as the homologue of the paired vomer of sauropsids, or as a part of the paired premaxillae. A review of the near 200-year history of this element strongly supports the os paradoxum as a remnant of the medial palatine processes of the premaxillae given its ontogenetic continuity with the premaxillae and association with the vomeronasal organ and cartilage, incisive foramen, and cartilaginous nasal septum. In conjunction with this hypothesis, homologies of the unpaired vomer of extant mammals and the paired vomer of extant sauropsids are also supported. These views are reinforced with observations from CT scans of O. anatinus, the Miocene ornithorhynchid Obdurodon dicksoni, and the extant didelphid marsupial Didelphis marsupialis. At the choanae, Obdurodon has what appears to be a separate parasphenoid bone unknown in extant monotremes.

Automated summary

The os paradoxum or dumb-bell-shaped bone is a paired bone in the platypus, which has been debated for its origin and homology. Through a review of its history and CT scans, it is concluded that the bone is likely a remnant of the medial palatine processes of the premaxillae and shares homology with the vomer of other mammals and sauropsids.