FETAL DEVELOPMENT IN TAIL FLUKES OF THE ANTARCTIC MINKE WHALE

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  • Kim Yujin
    Laboratory of Cetacean Biology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
  • Nishimura Futaba
    Laboratory of Cetacean Biology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
  • Bando Takeharu
    Institute of Cetacean Research
  • Fujise Yoshihiro
    Institute of Cetacean Research
  • Nakamura Gen
    Laboratory of Cetacean Biology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
  • Murase Hiroto
    Laboratory of Cetacean Biology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
  • Kato Hidehiro
    Laboratory of Cetacean Biology, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology Institute of Cetacean Research

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Abstract

<p>Tail flukes of the Antarctic minke whale fetuses were studied to expand the available knowledge on fetal development, which is relatively understudied, as previous studies are qualitative in nature. Seven measurement points on the tail flukes of 122 fetuses (after conception 12.9 to 259.5 days) were recorded. We quantitatively defined the developmental stages based on the measurements. Tail flukes formed after an estimated fetal age of 57.8 days (9.4 cm) and retained almost the same shape as postnatal at 124.6 days (47.3 cm). The results also revealed that the growth rates differed at each measurement point and each developmental stage.</p>

Journal

  • Cetacean Population Studies

    Cetacean Population Studies 3 (0), 231-238, 2021-12-28

    Publication Committee for Cetacean Population Studies

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