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Related Concept Videos

Overview of the Skull01:08

Overview of the Skull

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The cranium (skull) is the skeletal structure of the head that supports the face and protects the brain. It is subdivided into the facial bones and the brain case, or cranial vault. The facial bones underlie the facial structures, form the nasal cavity, enclose the eyeballs, and support the teeth of the upper and lower jaws.
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
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The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
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Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View01:14

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The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
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Cranial Bones: Lateral View01:27

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The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
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What is Evolutionary History?02:35

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Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and provides evidence for evolution. However, both fossil and living organisms offer evidence that outlines Earth’s evolutionary history.
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Convergent Evolution01:54

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Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.
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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
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Evolution: The shape of cetacean skulls through deep time.

Carlo Meloro1

  • 1Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.

Current Biology : CB
|May 24, 2022
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Summary

Whales, dolphins, and porpoises (cetaceans) evolved aquatic adaptations, particularly in their skulls. A new study links fossil and modern skull shapes to their ecological specializations over time.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleontology
  • Marine Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises) exhibit significant adaptations for a fully aquatic existence.
  • Skull morphology is a key area where these aquatic adaptations are prominently displayed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between skull shape evolution and ecological specialization in cetaceans.
  • To analyze deep-time trends in cetacean skull morphology.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a comprehensive dataset of fossil and extant cetacean skulls.
  • Comparative morphological analysis focusing on skull shape variations.

Main Results:

  • Identification of distinct links between specific skull shape changes and specialized ecological niches throughout cetacean evolutionary history.
  • Demonstration of how skull morphology reflects adaptive pathways in response to environmental pressures.

Conclusions:

  • Skull shape evolution in cetaceans is strongly correlated with their ecological specialization.
  • The study provides insights into the long-term evolutionary trajectory of cetaceans driven by adaptation to marine environments.