Maternal Care and Offspring Development in Odontocetes

摘要: Odontocetes are characterized by slow life histories and extensive maternal care, where offspring nurse for years in some species. Among of the largest toothed whales, mother one or both sexes stay together a lifetime, forming basis strong matrilineal social units transmission culture along lines. Mother calf face series challenges from moment birth. The newborn must quickly learn to follow breathe alongside mother—and wait her while she dives food. Within months transitions infant position much time, although their swimming ability allows them associate with others mother’s network. Because calves can easily become separated mothers, an effective communication system is necessary, signature whistles pod-specific dialects appear serve this function. plays central role development foraging tactics. Where has been studied, adopt behaviors, including specializations, share network post-weaning. Although difficult demonstrate “teaching” per se, dolphins particularly good candidates given exquisite learning tolerance. non-mothers clearly important development, but whether interactions constitute “allomothering” remains unclear most What clear that group living cetaceans affords protection predators possibly infanticidal males. causes mortality generally not known, as carcasses rarely retrieved, disease, predation, poor condition, anthropogenic (pollutants, provisioning, bycatch, boat strikes), and—rarely—infanticide, all implicated. Weaning occurs when no longer nurses, evident cessation swimming. Interbirth intervals also used proxy weaning, though frequently nurses during subsequent pregnancy. Post-weaning, mothers daughters continue have preferential bonds, killer whales pilot sons relationship mother.