Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

K. N. Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Geological Survey of India, Calcutta, IN

Abstract

Certain Primate fossils collected by the author from the Nagri beds at Haritalyangar are described in this paper. A left mandibular ramus with the associated dentition is assigned to a new species of Sivapithecus on the basis of certain specific characters. The great vertical depth of the jaw combined with a short symphysis is rather suggestive of a new species. The mandible has also been compared with other known Dryopithecinae from the Siwaliks of India as well as those from Africa, particularly with Proconsul major, a large ape from the Miocene of Kenya.

The other moiety described includes a fragment of a mandible with two excellently preserved molars. Apart from their large size, the two molars do not show any significant differences from Sivapithecus indicus. It was undoubtedly a large ape next only in size to Dryopithecus giganteus. An isolated, narrow lower molar with high crowns recognised in the collection is referred to the genus Sugrivapithecus. Another lower molar, slightly squarish and much worn, is assigned to Sivapithecus.

Sivapithecus is generally regarded as a highly evolved ape showing certain progressive characters, and Pilgrim attributed a high status for this genus. Other authorities considered the presence of a projecting canine and a seetorialised lower first premolar in addiltion to a simian shelf? as more apelike. Palaeontological evidence so far has not been conclusive and the whole problem now depends on collection of more material for further elucidation.

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P. Yadagiri ¹, K. N. Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Geological Survey of India, Southern Region, Hyderabad, IN

Abstract

A rich assemblage of Piscean and Sauropodian remains were recovered from the Kota Formation (Upper Gondwana sequence) of the Pranhita-Godavari Valley. Two new species of Pholidophorus which have a bearing on the evolution of Holostean fishes are recognised. The stratigraphic significance of these fishes on the age of the Kota Formation is discussed on available evidence.

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K. Sriram ¹, K. N. Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 4-3-542, Alladin Building, Tilak Road, Hyderabad-500 001 (A.P.), IN

Abstract

The area studied represents the coastal tract along the West Coast of Peninsular India. Remnants of planar surfaces showing deep lateritic weathering profiles are common in the northern part of Goa. The southern part, however, presents a rugged topography with hills ranging in altitude up to 600 m, especially near the coast. It is surmised that the present coast emerged during late Neogene and presumably before the onset of Pleistocene glaciation. Remnants of the emerged marine denudational surfaces are noticed at altitudes of 160m, inland near the ghats and at 60m along the coast. In general, most of the remnants are at 120 m above the present mean sea level. From the accordance of summit heights of hills and inselbergs rising above the remnants of planar surfaces, trace of the older erosional surface appears at 300 m above the mean sea level. This surface may be assigned to Mio-Pliocene. The remnants of the late Pliocene planar surface is marked by valley benches and terraces that are probably the result of oscillations of the sea level during Pleistocene. It is difficult to assess their specific relationship with the interglacials of the Quaternary period.

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K. N. Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Madras Science Foundation, 86, M. K. Amman Koil Street, Madras 600004, IN

Abstract

Earth Science Museums playa vital role in imparting knowledge to students and scholars by providing basic information on the natural resources. The Geological Survey of India has the largest number of ESMs in the country. Universities with a Geology Department have ESMs though not on such a large scale like the G.S.I. Within the last four years, two modern ESMs have been established at Neyveli and Ranchi. The importance of museums and national parks in educating the common man is stressed. The history of the ESMs in India is outlined and the two modern museums at Neyveli and Ranchi are described in detail. The technique of modelling prehistoric animals like the dinosaurs which form part of a museum by dynamic and animated movements with acoustic background is stressed. New Innovations change of display material occasionally adds a new dimension to the quality and attractiveness to the museum. A list of national parks with museums and life-sized fibreglass models of prehistoric animals is given. The two ESMs established at Neyveli and Ranchi are to a limited extent based on the lines of some of the famous museums such as Smithsonian, the American Museum, the Field Museum, the Carnegie Museum, Yale Peabody Museum, and the British Museum of Natural History. The need for more ESMs in India using latest techniques in museology for better display is stressed.

Keywords

Museums, National Parks.

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K. N. Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 No.8, Venkataraman Street, Srinivasa Avenue, Raja Annamalaipuram Madras - 600 028, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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