Mysticeti

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Mysticeti (baleen whales; cohort Mutica, order Cetacea) A suborder that comprises three families (Eschrichtiidae, Balaenidae, and Balaenopteridae) of baleen whales. Teeth are absent in adults (vestigial teeth may be present in the foetus) and transverse sheets of baleen extend like combs from the roof of the mouth into the mouth cavity: these are used to strain plankton from water. There is a pair of nasal openings.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

baleen whales

views updated Jun 27 2018

baleen whales See MYSTICETI.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

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Baleen whales

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