March 8, 2017
A new study involving biologists
from Monash University Australia has found that despite their very different
ancestors, dolphins and crocodiles evolved similarly-shaped skulls to feed on
similar prey.
Dolphins and crocodiles now live in rivers and
oceans, but each evolved from land-based animals. Feeding in water has many new
challenges. This new study shows that despite being separated by 300 million
years, dolphins and crocodiles found comparable solutions to these problems,
and evolved skull shapes that are remarkably similar.
"Our results suggest the
remarkable similarity between some crocodilians and toothed whales is driven by
what they eat rather than where they live," said lead author Mr Matthew McCurry
from the Monash School of Biological Sciences.
Previously no rigorous attempt
had been made to show how similar the head shapes of dolphins and crocodiles
really are. It had been thought that aspects such shallow seas or rivers
contributed to the similarity of the skulls
of crocodilians (crocodiles and alligators) and toothed whales (dolphins, orca
and relatives). But a study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B:
Biological Sciences has debunked this long-held view.
Having a long, thin snout must
have great advantages when trying to catch small fish, both for crocodilians
and toothed whales.
"What is really important
about this study is that it will help us predict the diet of extinct aquatic mammals
and reptiles just from the shape of their skulls," said Mr McCurry.
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