Using morphology to infer physiology: case studies on rorqual whales (Balaenopteridae)

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Goldbogen, Jeremy A., Shadwick, Robert E., Lillie, Margo A., Piscitelli, Marina A., Potvin, Jean, Pyenson, Nicholas D., Vogl, A. Wayne
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2015
• Subjects: Rorqual; Balaenoptera physalus; baleen whales
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2014-0311; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full-xml/10.1139/cjz-2014-0311; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/cjz-2014-0311

Whales are important model systems for understanding the physiological and ecological consequences of extreme body size. However, whales are also some of the most difficult animals to study because their large size precludes experimental studies under controlled conditions. Here we review a wide ran...