Any account of “what is special about the human brain”(Passingham 2008) must specify the
neural basis of our unique ability to produce speech and delineate how these remarkable …

Cetacea (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) is a model group for investigating the molecular
signature of macroevolutionary transitions. Recent research has begun to reveal the …

Spectrin and ankyrin are membrane skeletal proteins that contribute to mechanical support
of plasma membranes and micron-scale organization of diverse membrane-spanning …

Cetaceans are the longest-living species of mammals and the largest in the history of the
planet. They have developed mechanisms against diseases such cancer, although the …

Heterogeneous seascapes and strong environmental gradients in coastal waters are
expected to influence adaptive divergence, particularly in species with large population …

The transition to an aquatic lifestyle in cetaceans (whales and dolphins) resulted in a radical
transformation in their sensory systems. Toothed whales acquired specialized high …

The loss of teeth and evolution of baleen racks in Mysticeti was a profound transformation
that permitted baleen whales to radiate and diversify into a previously underutilized …

Molecular markers can reveal interesting aspects of organismal ecology and evolution,
especially when surveyed in rare or elusive species. Herein, we provide a preliminary …

Climatic changes have caused major environmental restructuring throughout the world's
oceans. Marine organisms have responded to novel conditions through various biological …

Multiple stressors caused by human-induced disturbances can affect the foraging
opportunities of cetaceans, potentially depleting their energy stores, and ultimately impact …