The comparative osteology of the petrotympanic complex (ear region) of extant baleen whales (Cetacea: Mysticeti).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anatomical comparisons of the ear region of baleen whales (Mysticeti) are provided through detailed osteological descriptions and high-resolution photographs of the petrotympanic complex (tympanic bulla and petrosal bone) of all extant species of mysticete cetaceans. Salient morphological features are illustrated and identified, including overall shape of the bulla, size of the conical process of the bulla, morphology of the promontorium, and the size and shape of the anterior process of the petrosal. We place our comparative osteological observations into a phylogenetic context in order to initiate an exploration into petrotympanic evolution within Mysticeti.

Principal findings

The morphology of the petrotympanic complex is diagnostic for individual species of ba

SUBMITTER: Ekdale EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3120854 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature