Plesiorycteropus not inclined relative to each other, but about parallel. The astragalus, which is known from four examples, is wide and short and contains a uniquely large posteromedial process. Seven metapodials (middle hand or foot bones) are known, rather variable in size, but MacPhee was unable to separate metacarpals (from the hand) and metatarsals (from the foot). All are rather short and are broad proximally and narrow distally. Among the few known phalanges, the proximal phalange is shorter than the middle one and the distal phalanges are narrow and clawlike. The forelimbs of "Plesiorycteropus" show specializations for "scratch-digging", in which the
Roll the Bones strong vocal melodies at the beginning and base the rest of the tune around it. Lifeson had wanted to try playing funk rhythms and attempted it "Presto" and wished to explore it further on "Roll the Bones". The majority of the arrangements worked out at the writing stage remained unchanged which allowed the group to use the demos as a guide for recording, done by transferring the completed demos to 24-track and re-recording the parts. The album contains a running lyrical theme concerning the element of chance in different aspects of life, which Peart had devised while experimenting with lyrics.