A strong genomic indicator of diet is presented by chitinases that are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract51. The chitinase genes (CHIAs) exist as several paralogs, and the retention or loss of these paralogs in mammals has been correlated with diet51. Retention of intactCHIAs correlates w...
Semi-aquatic mammals represent a transitional phase in the evolutionary spectrum between terrestrial and aquatic mammals. The sense of balance is crucial for mammalian locomotion, and in semi-aquatic mammals, the structural foundation of this sense (the vestibular system) shows distinct morphological adap...
Cetacean - Marine Mammals, Aquatic Adaptations, Conservation: Cetaceans are carnivorous aquatic mammals distributed in all oceans and some river systems. All are social to some extent, and many exhibit epimeletic behavior. Play is a common behavior. Many