lecture 2 Flashcards
what is the Rostrum
describes the telescoping nose or beak of a cetatcean
what are key elements of a Cetatcean skull
- Lateral extension
- large and heavy mandibles
- vertebrae exit laterally
- skulls are porous and is filled with oils to help resonate vibrations, and affect buoyancy.
Are odontocetes skulls symmetrical or asymmetrical?
Asymmetrical with a single blowhole
Are Mysticete’s skulls symmetrical or asymmetrical?
symmetrical with two blowholes
What is the purpose of a melon?
It sends and directs signals that are used in echolocation to determine where prey may be
What is Baleen
- Found in mysticetes
- courseness determines type of feed
- acts as a filter
what is unique about the a whales vertebrae
Often fused in some or all parts
what is unique about whale bones?
they are light and spongy, best suited for low gravity of the ocean.
what is unique to only whales and manatees
vertically moving tale
describe a whales swimming technique thats different from fish
Whales appear to be galloping underwater, maybe due to there terrestrial origins.
why do whales evacuate their lungs when they dive
the oxygen they need is stored in their bloodstream. Air in the lungs would prevent them from diving.
what are the three layers of whale skin
epidermis, dermis, hypodermis
do whales have hair?
No, but a few hair follicles do appear sometimes
What is Homeothermy
the ability of a mammal to regulate a stable internal temperature.
how do whales keep maintain their body temperature?
Blubber
