Morphological and functional adaptations of the toothed whale head to aquatic life

Abstract

Evolutionary adaptations of toothed whales to their aquatic habitat are expressed in a variety of morpho‐genetic trends, involving every part of these animals. Some of the most conspicuous of these trends are observed in the structures of major organ systems throughout the head, including the upper respiratory tract, cranium, masticatory complex, and middle and inner ear, as well as in the size and differentiation of related areas of the brain, particularly the auditory system. The information now available on the structural and functional properties of these systems shows that much additional knowledge is needed to provide us with a deeper understanding of these animals.

Keywords:

• Head morphology
• Function
• Evolution
• Toothed whales
• Odontoceti

Notes

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