Molecular markers in keratins from Mysticeti whales for species identification of baleen in museum and archaeological collections.

ABSTRACT: Baleen has been harvested by indigenous people for thousands of years, as well as collected by whalers as an additional product of commercial whaling in modern times. Baleen refers to the food-filtering system of Mysticeti whales; a full baleen rack consists of dozens of plates of a tough and flexible keratinous material that terminate in bristles. Due to its properties, baleen was a valuable raw material used in a wide range of artefacts, from implements to clothing. Baleen is not widely used today, however, analyses of this biomolecular tissue have the potential to contribute to conservation efforts, studies of genetic diversity and a better understanding of the exploitation and use of Mysticeti whales in past and recent times. Fortunately, baleen is present in abundance in museum natura

SUBMITTER: Solazzo C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5576650 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature