Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
08:02
Dissection and Flat-mounting of the Threespine Stickleback Branchial Skeleton
Published on: May 7, 2016
Lingual Surface Morphology in Delphinids: Structural Adaptations to Feeding Strategies
Mariana Almeida Lima1,2,3, Radan Elvis Matias de Oliveira1,2,3,4, Fernanda Loffler Niemayer Attademo1,2
1Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Animal Aplicada, Departamento de Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN 59625-900, Brazil.
Summary
Cetacean tongue shape varies with feeding strategy. Suction feeders have thick tongues, while raptorial feeders have thin tongues, showcasing functional adaptations in delphinids.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
- Zoology
Background:
- Tongue morphology in cetaceans is linked to feeding behaviors.
- Delphinid species exhibit diverse feeding strategies, including suction feeding and raptorial prehension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the lingual surface morphology of four delphinid species with different feeding strategies.
- To investigate the relationship between tongue structure and feeding adaptations in cetaceans.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic dissections, light microscopy, histochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed.
- Tongues from four delphinid species (short-finned pilot whale, Risso's dolphin, Clymene dolphin, spinner dolphin) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Suction feeders (pilot whale, Risso's dolphin) possess thicker, rounder tongues.
- Raptorial feeders (Clymene dolphin, spinner dolphin) have thinner, more elongated tongues.
- Differences in lingual gland distribution and papillae types (marginal, vallate, both lacking taste buds) were observed.
Conclusions:
- Tongue morphology in delphinids is functionally adapted to specific feeding strategies.
- Lingual gland distribution and tongue shape correlate with suction feeding versus raptorial prehension.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:49The Tongue and Taste Buds
The surface of the tongue is covered with various small bumps called papillae, which either distribute what has been ingested (filiform papillae) or contain the sensory taste (or gustatory) receptor cells (fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae). Embedded within each taste-related papilla are the taste buds—clusters of 30 to 100 gustatory receptor cells.
01:23Surface Appendages of Archaea
Archaeal surface appendages are highly specialized structures essential for environmental adaptation, encompassing roles in adhesion, biofilm formation, and motility. Among these appendages, pili and archaella stand out for their distinct morphologies and functionalities, enabling archaea to thrive in diverse and often extreme environments.Pili: Adhesion and Biofilm FormationPili are filamentous structures assembled from pilin protein subunits, primarily contributing to adhesion and biofilm...
01:01Tongue
The human tongue is a fascinating and complex organ, responsible for various essential functions such as swallowing, speech, and taste. It is also subject to various conditions and diseases. In this article, we delve into the anatomy of the tongue, its roles, and some common conditions that can affect it.
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
01:12The Hyoid Bone
The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone located in the upper neck at the level of the inferior mandible, with its tips pointing posteriorly. It does not directly articulate with any other bone in the body. The hyoid acts as the attachment site for the tongue, the larynx, and the pharynx. It is held in position by a series of small muscles attached from above or below. These muscles help to move the hyoid up/down or forward/back in coordination with movements of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx...