Many marine mammal populations are recovering after long eras of exploitation. 1, 2 To
what degree density-dependent body size declines in recovering species reflect a general …

The classification of most mammalian orders and families is under debate and the number of
species is likely greater than currently recognized. Improving taxonomic knowledge is …

The skull often reveals adaptation to ecological and environmental influences. Food
availability affects the somatic growth of otariids, and population abundance can influence …

The morphology of the skull contains considerable ecological information about a species,
because the skull contains sensory organs that are used to look for food, compete for mates …

The age of adult mammals is required for studies related to ontogeny patterns, growth rate,
and life history. However, the reliable age determination from skulls with no canine teeth is …

The shapes of the skull in the spotted seal (Phoca largha) and the harbour seal (Phoca
vitulina) evolved as a consequence of diet, how prey is captured, interspecific and …