Alissa K. Anderson, Parker M. Levinson, Avalon Conklin, Jay J. Rotella
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
A wide variety of nipple locations and configurations exist among pinnipeds. Like all marine mammals, pinnipeds can have supernumerary nipples that form in utero. Supernumerary nipples have been documented in several species of pinnipeds, the only taxonomic group of marine mammals with variation in nipple number. We document multiple observations (n = 4) of female Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) with supernumerary nipples in Erebus Bay, Antarctica, including a female Weddell seal with four nipples that was observed nursing two pups. Intraspecific variation in the number of supernumerary nipples observed included both one and two supernumerary nipples. The majority of the observed supernumerary nipples were nursed on by pups, but lactation was unable to be confirmed. These are the first documented observations of supernumerary nipples in Weddell seals.
期刊介绍：
Polar Biology publishes Original Papers, Reviews, and Short Notes and is the focal point for biologists working in polar regions. It is also of interest to scientists working in biology in general, ecology and physiology, as well as in oceanography and climatology related to polar life. Polar Biology presents results of studies in plants, animals, and micro-organisms of marine, limnic and terrestrial habitats in polar and subpolar regions of both hemispheres.
Taxonomy/ Biogeography
Life History
Spatio-temporal Patterns in Abundance and Diversity
Ecological Interactions
Trophic Ecology
Ecophysiology/ Biochemistry of Adaptation
Biogeochemical Pathways and Cycles
Ecological Models
Human Impact/ Climate Change/ Conservation
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