Sub-order MYSTACOCETI
(The Whalebone Whales) ~
T he Whalebone Whales are easily separated from the Toothed Whales by the
possession of whalebone or baleen. There are, however, other points which
distinguish the two sub-orders.
In the case of the Whalebone Whales the skull is nearly symmetrical. The
nasal bones are equal, and the frontal bones are not overlapped by the maxillae,
like those of the Toothed Whales. The two rami meet at the very end for a
short space. The skull is more or less arched in the Right Whales, obviously to
support the long baleen, as this feature is not so marked in the case of the
Rorquals. The ribs are attached by one head and the sternum is entire, and to
it are articulated a single pair of ribs.
Family B a l j e n id j z
The skull is much arched, and the lower jaw without marked coronoid process.
The cervical vertebrae are 'joined together. Pectoral limbs short and tail large.
No grooves on the throat as in the Balcenoptera. Baleen very long.