engleski

Osteodensitometric differences of the flipper as indicators of muscles activity in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Adriatic sea

Theaimofthisstudyistoexaminethedifferencesoftheflipperosteodensitometric characteristics in two dolphin sepcies which are morphologically very similar, but live in different environments. The pectoral flippers of 24 cetacean specimens representing two odontocete genera were obtained, 12 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and 12 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). External body measurements were taken and osteodensitometric properties (BMC, bone mineral content, and BMD, bone mineral density) were measured by DEXA method. Osteodensitometric parameters in the examined area were positively correlated to the flipper morphometric properties, especially to the cranial flipper length. Correlation of the greatest flipper width and osteodensitometric parameters is different in examined dolphin species. According to the bigger body size and stronger skeleton, bottlenose dolphin has higher osteodensitometric values than striped dolphin. Intensive body activity increase muscle mass and bone mineral density, and suggest higher forelimb muscle activity in bottlenose dolphin than in striped dolphin.

bottlenose dolphin; striped dolphin

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