Publications by authors named "Julia M Fahlke"
Odontoceti and Mysticeti (toothed and baleen whales) originated from Eocene archaeocetes that had evolved from terrestrial artiodactyls. Cranial asymmetry is known in odontocetes that can hear ultrasound (>20,000 Hz) and has been linked to the split function of the nasal passage in breathing and vocalization. Recent results indicate that archaeocetes also had asymmetric crania.
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- Bite marks indicate that the Eocene whale Basilosaurus isis preyed on juvenile Dorudon atrox, supported by finite element analysis (FEA) of its skull, which estimated high bite forces.
- Two biting scenarios were analyzed: one during initial jaw closure with more muscle engagement, and another during a near-closed phase where bite forces remained significant.
- Overall, B. isis showed the largest estimated bite forces for any mammal, aligning with predictions of its predatory behaviors and comparing favorably to known forces in large reptiles, suggesting effective bone-crushing capabilities.
Cranial asymmetry in Eocene archaeocete whales and the evolution of directional hearing in water.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
August 2011
Eocene archaeocete whales gave rise to all modern toothed and baleen whales (Odontoceti and Mysticeti) during or near the Eocene-Oligocene transition. Odontocetes have asymmetrical skulls, with asymmetry linked to high-frequency sound production and echolocation. Mysticetes are generally assumed to have symmetrical skulls and lack high-frequency hearing.
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