[Morphology and development of the cranium of Felis silvestris f. catus Linné 1758--a contribution to the comparative anatomy of the Carnivora. II. Orbitotemporal region].

In Felis 1, the orbitotemporal region is very compressed in rostrocaudal direction. As a result, most structures are tightly pressed together. Continuing development towards the stage of Felis 2, the cranium becomes remarkably elongated in this region. In early embryonic stage, Felis builds up a primary side wall, being remarkable complete. The following development towards Felis 1 and 2 gives an interesting example for the elements changing their configuration and position during ontogenesis and thereby illustrates the problems of interpreting these conditions phylogenetically and systematically: There is an evident reduction of the structures of the primary side wall and positional changes of the whole side wall at the same time.