Talk:Strap-toothed whale

Latest comment: 6 years ago by WellRehearsedWhale in topic Sexual dimorphism

WP:CETA capitalisation discussion edit

to paraphrase clara peller, where's the teeth? edit

The article opens by expressing the uncited superlative opinion that this whale has the most bizarre of teeth, and yet there is not a photo or drawing of a tooth? edit: ooooh, is it the two tusks shown on the skull? perhaps a caption would do it. 67.243.29.174 (talk) 18:49, 15 April 2015 (UTC)Reply

Sexual dimorphism edit

While the teeth of the strap-toothed whale are indeed bizarre, it's a sort of strange claim to say they are the "some of the most bizarre teeth of any mammal" without context, especially given that there are other cases to be made (i.e. the Babriusa that can penetrate their own skulls with their teeth, or even the narwhal within cetaceans alone). While the article touches on it, I think it is important to note that the teeth in this species are sexually dimporhic.[1] In the males, the teeth can prevent the mouth from opening fully. I think it may be worth mentioning the dimorphism in the article and moving the bit about bizarre teeth to wherever that would be, though there may be a better format.

WellRehearsedWhale (talk) 02:03, 13 October 2017 (UTC)Reply

References

  1. ^ "Mesoplodon layardii — Strap-toothed Beaked Whale, Strap-toothed Whale, Layard's Beaked Whale". Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy. Australian Government. Retrieved 5 October 2017.