The reniculus of the sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis)Aerial Observation of Feeding Behavior in Four Baleen Whales: Eubalaena glacialis, Balaenoptera borealis, Megaptera novaeangliae, and Balaenoptera physalus

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1967
Authors:Cave, AJE, Aumonier, FJ, Watkins, WA, Schevill, WE
Journal:Journal of Natural History
Volume:1
Pagination:575-583
Date Published:1967
ISBN Number:0022-293300222372
Keywords:Balaenoptera borealis, Balaenoptera physalus, Megaptera novaeangliae
Abstract:

Summary For the first time the histological structure of the reniculus of the sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) is described, with special reference to its vasculature and to the constitution of its well-developed sporta. Renicular venous return is principally effected through a peripheral plexus whence relatively large interrenicular veins drain into the vv. reniculares, or, possibly, into the v. renalis as direct radicles. The material examined affords no evidence as to the occurrence of veins ?wandering? from the kidney surface directly to renal vein or postcava: the presence of such veins is not, however, thereby excluded. In its general structure the sei whale reniculus is essentially similar to the reniculus of other balaenopterids examined, though its sporta is relatively better developed.Distinct behavioral differences were noted from aerial observations of four species of baleen whales (Eubalaena glacialis, right whale; Balaenoptera borealis, sei whale; Megaptera novaeangliae, humpback whale; Balaenoptera physalus, finback whale) feeding together on 30 April and 1 May 1975. The right and sei whales fed together on patches of plankton. Right whales fed steadily with mouths open in the densest areas, while the sei whale followed a faster but more erratic path through the patches, alternately opening and slowly closing its mouth with slight throat distension at each closing. Humpback and finback whales fed together on dense schools of fish associated with the patches of plankton. The humpback fed by rushing, generally from below the schools of fish, while finback feeding was by more horizontal passes sometimes characterized by sharp turns and rolls within the fish schools and often with enormous throat distension.

URL:http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00222936700770541http://www.jstor.org/stable/1379766
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