Morphological differences in skulls and feeding apparatuses between Antarctic (<i>Balaenoptera bonaerensis</i>) and common (<i>Balaenoptera acutorostrata</i>) minke whales, and the implication for their feeding ecology

The differences in rorqual feeding ecology have been linked to the presence of different morphological markers. Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis Burmeister, 1867) and common acutorostrata Lacépède, 1804) are closely related species, but their not fully investigated. In this study, we compared 21 skull 11 apparatus (baleen mouth-related parts) measurement points between these two species using hundreds individuals covering a wide range body lengths both sexes. Their engulfment capacities were estimated measurements. Our results show that whales (i) proportionally larger skulls length, (ii) more dorsoventrally laterally curved rostra, (iii) apparatuses condylobasal (iv) significantly capacity than whales. These could indicate developed strategy suitable for on krill, which forms large schools. contrast, adapted prey small pelagic fishes agile form