Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) and belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) are the only extant
members of the Monodontidae, and are charismatic Arctic‐endemic cetaceans that are at …

Bony labyrinth morphology varies across marine mammals and contains key information
regarding hearing sensitivity and ecology. The hearing ranges of globicephaline …

The inner ear anatomy of cetaceans, now more readily accessible by means of
nondestructive high-resolution X-ray computed tomographic (CT) scanning, provides a …

The inner ear of toothed whales (odontocetes) is known to have evolved particular shapes
related to their abilities to echolocate and move under water. While the origin of these …

Toothed whales (Cetacea: Odontoceti) are the most diverse group of modern cetaceans,
originating during the Eocene/Oligocene transition approximately 38 Ma. All extant …

Major evolutionary transitions, in which animals develop new body plans and adapt to
dramatically new habitats and lifestyles, have punctuated the history of life. The origin of …

The structure and function of the craniate inner ear is reviewed, with 33 apomorphic
characters of the membranous labyrinth and associated structures identified in craniates …

Abstract Seals (Pinnipedia) and otters (Lutrinae) are two major taxa of the mammalian order
Carnivora that independently adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Their sensory capabilities …

The nasal region of the skull has undergone dramatic changes during the course of
cetacean evolution. In particular, mysticetes (baleen whales) conserve the nasal mammalian …

Studies surrounding the evolution of sensory system anatomy in cetaceans over the last~
100 years have shed light on aspects of the early evolution of hearing sensitivities, the small …