We propose a practical concept that distinguishes the particular kind of weaponry that has
evolved to be used in combat between individuals of the same species and sex, which we …

The evolution of cetaceans, from their early transition to an aquatic lifestyle to their
subsequent diversification, has been the subject of numerous studies. However, although …

Cetaceans are remarkable among mammals for their numerous adaptations to an entirely
aquatic existence, yet many aspects of their phylogeny remain unresolved. Here we merged …

This paper presents a critical review of methods for estimating absolute or relative age in
marine mammals. Absolute age is achieved by counting growth layer groups (GLGs) in hard …

Phylogenetic trees provide a powerful framework for testing macroevolutionary hypotheses,
but it is becoming increasingly apparent that inferences derived from extant species alone …

Mating with multiple partners is common across species, and understanding how individual
males secure fertilization in the face of competition remains a fundamental goal of …

The Ziphiidae (beaked whales) represent a large group of open-ocean odontocetes (toothed
cetaceans), whose elusive and deep diving behavior prevents direct observation in their …

Timing and magnitude of surface uplift are key to understanding the impact of crustal
deformation and topographic growth on atmospheric circulation, environmental conditions …

Marine mammals are key components of aquatic ecosystems. Feeding strategies identified
in extant cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, marine otters, and polar bears are associated with …

In many organisms, especially those of conservation concern, traditional lines of evidence
for taxonomic delineation, such as morphological data, are often difficult to obtain. In these …