Zoology 365

Biology of Mammals

Spring Semester, 2006

Terri McElhinny- Michigan State University
Words of the Week - Cetaceans and Subungulates

symphysis – A relatively immovable articulation between bones

ramus – (pl. rami) The horizontal portion of each lower jaw, in which the teeth are rooted

telescoped – skulls of Odontoceti have been “pushed back” to account for the blowhole

baleen – keratin fibers that hang from the upper jaw of mysticetis

horizontal tooth replacement – the teeth move forward in the jaw the longer they are in the jaw…like a conveyor belt

rorqual – “tube throated” refers to whales with grooves on the chest and throat that allow for a large amount of expansion during “gulping”