Fin Whale
Whales
Balaenoptera
Azores
Humpback Whale
Diving
Satellite Communications
Minke Whale
Sperm Whale
Kinematics of foraging dives and lunge-feeding in fin whales. (1/13)
Fin whales are among the largest predators on earth, yet little is known about their foraging behavior at depth. These whales obtain their prey by lunge-feeding, an extraordinary biomechanical event where large amounts of water and prey are engulfed and filtered. This process entails a high energetic cost that effectively decreases dive duration and increases post-dive recovery time. To examine the body mechanics of fin whales during foraging dives we attached high-resolution digital tags, equipped with a hydrophone, a depth gauge and a dual-axis accelerometer, to the backs of surfacing fin whales in the Southern California Bight. Body pitch and roll were estimated by changes in static gravitational acceleration detected by orthogonal axes of the accelerometer, while higher frequency, smaller amplitude oscillations in the accelerometer signals were interpreted as bouts of active fluking. Instantaneous velocity of the whale was determined from the magnitude of turbulent flow noise measured by the hydrophone and confirmed by kinematic analysis. Fin whales employed gliding gaits during descent, executed a series of lunges at depth and ascended to the surface by steady fluking. Our examination of body kinematics at depth reveals variable lunge-feeding behavior in the context of distinct kinematic modes, which exhibit temporal coordination of rotational torques with translational accelerations. Maximum swimming speeds during lunges match previous estimates of the flow-induced pressure needed to completely expand the buccal cavity during feeding. (+info)Structure of the cerebral cortex of the humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae (Cetacea, Mysticeti, Balaenopteridae). (2/13)
Cetaceans diverged from terrestrial mammals between 50 and 60 million years ago and acquired, during their adaptation to a fully aquatic milieu, many derived features, including echolocation (in odontocetes), remarkable auditory and communicative abilities, as well as a complex social organization. Whereas brain structure has been documented in detail in some odontocetes, few reports exist on its organization in mysticetes. We studied the cerebral cortex of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in comparison to another balaenopterid, the fin whale, and representative odontocetes. We observed several differences between Megaptera and odontocetes, such as a highly clustered organization of layer II over the occipital and inferotemporal neocortex, whereas such pattern is restricted to the ventral insula in odontocetes. A striking observation in Megaptera was the presence in layer V of the anterior cingulate, anterior insular, and frontopolar cortices of large spindle cells, similar in morphology and distribution to those described in hominids, suggesting a case of parallel evolution. They were also observed in the fin whale and the largest odontocetes, but not in species with smaller brains or body size. The hippocampal formation, unremarkable in odontocetes, is further diminutive in Megaptera, contrasting with terrestrial mammals. As in odontocetes, clear cytoarchitectural patterns exist in the neocortex of Megaptera, making it possible to define many cortical domains. These observations demonstrate that Megaptera differs from Odontoceti in certain aspects of cortical cytoarchitecture and may provide a neuromorphologic basis for functional and behavioral differences between the suborders as well as a reflection of their divergent evolution. (+info)First report of Pennella balaenopterae Koren and Danielssen, 1877 (Copepoda: Pennelidae) from Turkey. (3/13)
A parasitic copepod, Pennella balaenopterae Koren and Danielssen, 1877 (Copepoda: Pennelidae), has been reported from the fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus (Cetacaea: Mysticeti), which was found dead on the Avluk beach (Yumurtalik seaport, Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey) in 6 May, 2002. This is the first report of Pennella balaenopterae in the Turkish seas. (+info)MHC DQB-1 polymorphism in the Gulf of California fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) population. (4/13)
One of the most isolated populations of fin whales occurs in the Gulf of California (GOC) with 400-800 individuals. This population shows reduced neutral genetic variation in comparison to the North Pacific population and thus might also display limited adaptive polymorphism. We sampled 36 fin whales from the GOC and assessed genetic variation at exon 2 of the major histocompatibility complex class II DQB-1 genes responsible for eliciting immune responses. Three divergent alleles were found with higher nonsynonymous than synonymous substitution rates within the peptide-binding region positions as well as the likely retention of ancient alleles, indicating that positive selection has shaped diversity in this species. Limited levels of nonneutral polymorphism, in addition to previously described low levels of neutral polymorphism, are consistent with the results of previous studies on vertebrate populations that have remained small and demographically stable for a very long time. Such low genetic variation in the GOC fin whales could be explained by 2 demographic scenarios: an ancient isolated population with limited gene flow or a more recent founder event after the last glacial maximum with very restricted gene flow. (+info)Passive versus active engulfment: verdict from trajectory simulations of lunge-feeding fin whales Balaenoptera physalus. (5/13)
(+info)Skull and buccal cavity allometry increase mass-specific engulfment capacity in fin whales. (6/13)
(+info)Comparative feeding kinematics and performance of odontocetes: belugas, Pacific white-sided dolphins and long-finned pilot whales. (7/13)
(+info)Monitoring winter and summer abundance of cetaceans in the Pelagos Sanctuary (northwestern Mediterranean Sea) through aerial surveys. (8/13)
(+info)I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Fin Whale" is not a medical term. It is a species of whale, and it's the second largest mammal after the blue whale. The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) is a fast-swimming, long-bodied whale that's variously known as the finback, razorback, or common rorqual. Fin whales are cosmopolitan and can be found in all oceans of the world. They prefer deep offshore waters and migrate to tropical and subtropical waters in the winter to breed and give birth.
If you have any medical terms that you would like me to define, please let me know!
I believe there may be some confusion in your question. Whales are not a medical term but rather large marine mammals. They belong to the Cetacean family, which includes dolphins and porpoises. If you're asking about a medical condition or something similar that might be associated with the word "whales," I would need more information to provide an accurate response.
'Balaenoptera' is a genus of marine mammals that includes several species of baleen whales, also known as rorquals. Some of the well-known species in this genus are:
1. Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) - The blue whale is the largest animal ever known to have existed, with adults reaching lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and weights of as much as 200 tons. They feed primarily on krill and are found in all oceans except the Arctic.
2. Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) - The fin whale is the second-largest species of baleen whale, with adults reaching lengths of up to 85 feet (26 meters) and weights of around 74 tons. They feed on krill and small fish and are widely distributed in all oceans.
3. Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis) - The sei whale is a medium-sized baleen whale, with adults reaching lengths of up to 60 feet (18 meters) and weights of around 20 tons. They feed on krill and small fish and are found in cold and temperate waters worldwide.
4. Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera brydei) - The Bryde's whale is a smaller baleen whale, with adults reaching lengths of up to 50 feet (15 meters) and weights of around 15 tons. They feed on krill and small fish and are found in tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide.
These species are characterized by their long, slender bodies, streamlined pectoral fins, and a distinctive ridge along the top of their head. Baleen whales have baleen plates instead of teeth for filter-feeding, which allows them to consume large quantities of small organisms such as krill and fish.
I'm not aware of any medical definitions for "Azores." The Azores is a group of nine volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 850 miles west of Portugal. They are an autonomous region of Portugal and have a population of around 250,000 people. The islands are known for their beautiful landscapes, mild climate, and unique flora and fauna.
If you have any specific questions related to the Azores or if there is something specific you would like to know about the region in a medical context, please let me know and I will do my best to help!
I could not find a medical definition for "animal fins" as a single concept. However, in the field of comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology, fins are specialized limbs that some aquatic animals use for movement, stability, or sensory purposes. Fins can be found in various forms among different animal groups, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and even mammals like whales and dolphins.
Fins consist of either bony or cartilaginous structures that support webs of skin or connective tissue. They may contain muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and sensory organs, which help animals navigate their underwater environment efficiently. The specific structure and function of fins can vary greatly depending on the animal's taxonomic group and lifestyle adaptations.
In a medical context, studying animal fins could provide insights into the evolution of limbs in vertebrates or contribute to the development of biomimetic technologies inspired by nature. However, there is no standalone medical definition for 'animal fins.'
I'm sorry for any confusion, but the term "Humpback Whale" is not a medical term. It is a species of baleen whale. Here's a common name definition:
Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a species of baleen whale known for their long pectoral fins, which can be up to one-third of their body length, and their distinctive humped back when they breach the water's surface. They are also famous for their complex and varied songs, which can be heard for miles and play a significant role in their mating rituals. Humpback Whales are found in oceans all around the world and are currently not listed as endangered, although they have been heavily impacted by whaling in the past.
The term "diving" is generally not used in the context of medical definitions. However, when referring to diving in relation to a medical or physiological context, it usually refers to the act of submerging the body underwater, typically for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
In a medical or physiological sense, diving can have specific effects on the human body due to changes in pressure, temperature, and exposure to water. Some of these effects include:
* Changes in lung volume and gas exchange due to increased ambient pressure at depth.
* Decompression sickness (DCS) or nitrogen narcosis, which can occur when dissolved gases form bubbles in the body during ascent from a dive.
* Hypothermia, which can occur if the water is cold and the diver is not adequately insulated.
* Barotrauma, which can occur due to pressure differences between the middle ear or sinuses and the surrounding environment.
* Other medical conditions such as seizures or heart problems can also be exacerbated by diving.
It's important for divers to undergo proper training and certification, follow safe diving practices, and monitor their health before and after dives to minimize the risks associated with diving.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "Satellite Communications" is not a term typically used in medical definitions. Satellite communications refers to the use of artificial satellites in space to provide communication links between various points on Earth. This technology is widely used in many fields including telecommunications, broadcasting, military, and transportation, but it is not a medical concept. If you have any questions related to medical terminology or concepts, I'd be happy to help with those instead!
A Minke Whale is not a medical term. It is a type of baleen whale, which is one of the two major groups of whales and dolphins, the other being the toothed whales. There are two species of minke whales: the common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). They are relatively small oceanic creatures, with a robust body and a pointed head. The common minke whale is found in both hemispheres, while the Antarctic minke whale is found only in the Southern Ocean.
Minke whales are not typically associated with medical definitions or terminology, unless in the context of a medical condition affecting the species or its population, such as a disease outbreak or injury.
I'm sorry for the confusion, but "Sperm Whale" is not a medical term. It is a species of whale, scientifically known as Physeter macrocephalus. Sperm whales are the largest toothed whales and have distinctive square-shaped heads that can make up to one-third of their body length. They are named for the waxy substance called spermaceti found in their heads, which was once mistakenly thought to be sperm.
If you're looking for a medical definition or information related to human health, please provide more details so I can assist you better.
Pilot whales are not actually whales, but they are the second largest species of dolphin. There are two species: the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) and the short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus). They are known for their large, bulbous heads and their social behavior, often living in groups called pods that can number in the hundreds. Pilot whales can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to 3,000 pounds. They primarily feed on squid and fish. Their name is believed to have come from the fact that they were historically hunted by sailors who would use them as "pilots" to guide their ships through unfamiliar waters.