Functional morphology involved in intraspecific fighting of the beaked whale, Mesoplodon carlhubbsi

摘要: Numerous authors have attributed the linear scars on male beaked whales to intraspecific fighting. The species Mesoplodon carlhubbsi was examined from a structural viewpoint describe functionally how such scarring may result. In this species, occur in two patterns: single and parallel scars. Parallel when both of large teeth possessed by aggressor come contact simultaneously with inflicted whale. mature males, project lower jaw outside mouth up along sides rostrum height greater than top rostrum. This indicates that are used closed bringing dorsal aspect soon be densely ossified mesorostral canal evident males probably functions reinforcing as engage Two evolutionary trends dentition hypothesized: (i) change position m...