Laelaps
Musings on evolution, the fossil record, and our place in nature
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Laelaps is the blog of freelance science writer Brian Switek. This blog frequently features his musings on paleontology, evolution, and the history of science. Switek also blogs for Smithsonian magazine's Dinosaur Tracking, and he is a research associate at the New Jersey State Museum.
Switek's first book, Written in Stone, will be published on November 1, 2010 by Bellevue Literary Press.
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« Prelude to a ScienceOnline panel: Using Blogs to Promote Your Book | Main | Photo of the Day #826: Dolphin skull »
Photo of the Day #825: Blue whale
Category: Mammals • Photography • Whales
Posted on: January 16, 2010 6:58 AM, by Brian Switek
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Comments
What is that beak-like structure up front? Is it just me or does that vaguely resemble a tuning fork? Interesting picture and a good example of how bone structure provides information that is not immediately apparent to the untrained eye.
Posted by: Art | January 16, 2010 2:49 PM
very nice foto. i should fotos on blog too, because it looks more beautiful.
Posted by: Jonathan | January 17, 2010 1:56 AM
Art, that beak like structure you mention are the premaxillae; they extend slightly further than the maxillae in most cetaceans (and mammals).
Posted by: Boesse | January 18, 2010 12:11 AM
"Art, that beak like structure you mention are the premaxillae; they extend slightly further than the maxillae in most cetaceans (and mammals)"
Looks to be a different material. Is it bone similar to the rest of the skeleton?
Posted by: Art | January 19, 2010 6:26 PM
Art-- Yes, it's bone. I don't recall it as contrasting in color with other bones in other Blue Whale skeletons I have seen: I suspect the appearance here is either discoloration or a trick of the lighting.
Posted by: Allen Hazen | January 20, 2010 6:44 PM
Excellent photo! I think this may have been constructed of a number of different skeletons? That may account for the different color contrasts? I think I prefer to look at ones that still have their skin on, lol.
Posted by: Annie | August 27, 2010 9:09 PM