Erupted upper teeth in a male sperm whale,Physeter macrocephalus |
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| Authors: | Nadine J Gibbs Edwin J Kirk |
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| Institution: | Comparative Physiology and Anatomy, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences College of Sciences , Massey University , Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | An adult male sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus L.) which stranded in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, was found to have seven erupted teeth in its upper jaw—six on the left side, and one on the right side. Each upper tooth lay in the side of the pit into which the corresponding lower tooth fitted, and two bore a groove consistent with contact with a lower tooth. |
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| Keywords: | Physeter macrocephalus upper teeth sperm whale New Zealand |
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