Let us learn about the comparison between odonoceti and mysticeti.
Comparison # Odentoceti:
1. Skull:
Asymmetrical in the upper surface.
2. Nasal passages:
Directed upward and forward.
3. External nostrils:
Unite to form a single hole.
4. Teeth:
Persist after birth.
5. Baleen-plates:
Absent.
6. Maxilla:
Covers most of the orbital process of frontal.
7. Lacrymal:
Fused with the jugal.
8. Tympanic;
Not ankylosed to pterotic.
9. Mandibular symphysis:
True symphysis is present.
10. Sternal ribs:
Ossified.
11. Sternum:
Having several segments.
12. Olfactory organ:
Rudimentary/absent.
13. Caecum:
Absent.
14. Hyperphalangy and Hyperdactyly:
Absent.
15. Examples:
Physeter, Delphinus, Orca, Monodon, etc.
Comparison # Mysticeti:
1. Skull:
Symmetrical.
2. Nasal passages:
Directed upward and forward.
3. External nostrils:
Separate.
4. Teeth:
Absent in adults.
5. Baleen-plates:
Present.
6. Maxilla:
Does not cover the orbital process.
7. Lacrymal:
Small and distinct.
8. Tympanic:
Ankylosed to pterotic.
9. Mandibular symphysis:
True symphysis is absent.
10. Sternal ribs:
Not ossified.
11. Sternum:
Consists of a single piece.
12. Olfactory organ:
Well-developed.
13. Caecum:
Present but short.
14. Hyperphalangy and Hyperdactyly:
Present.
15. Examples:
Balaenoptera, Eubalaena, Megaptera, etc.