Whales, dolphins, and porpoises belong to the group of marine mammals called cetaceans. Cetaceans can be further broken down into odontocetes, the toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises, and mysticetes which include the large baleen whales. Below you will find links to explore the normal anatomy of a representive odontocete, the harbor porpoise (Phocoeena phocoena).
The harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is one of the smallest and most common cetaceans. Harbor porpoises weigh between 61-77kg (135-170lbs) and are usually 1.5-1.7m (5-5.5ft) long. They are found in northern temperate to sub-arctic waters most often in shallower bays or near shore. Like all porpoises, they differ from their dolphin cousins in the triangular shape of their dorsal fin, their blunt rostrum, and their spade-like, rather than conical, teeth. You can further explore the anatomy of the harbor porpoise below.
UCSC Long Marine Lab
100 Shaffer Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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