This book presents a review of recent advances in cell biology, biochemistry and functional genomics of the dolphin using biological fluids, tissues or cell lines in an effort to further our understanding of dolphins and their responses to a changing environment. Dolphins can produce a wide repertoire of sounds: impulsive (high frequency) sounds, also involved in echolocation mechanism, percussive sounds and modulated sounds, usually called whistles.
The authors of this book examine the function of modulated signals, through a bibliographic review and data analysis, with special attention to the function of the signature whistle in the mother-calf relationship. Furthermore, this book provides an overview of the traditional uses and commercialization of dolphin's products in Brazil and discusses their implications for conservation.
Other chapters examine the histology of different sections of the melon and other pathways for reception of water-borne sounds (the jaw) and important aspects of one of the most serious viral agents for cetaceans, the cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV), including its host range, geographical distribution and mortality rate of the reported outbreaks.
Preface; The Integument of Dolphins, Including Development & Specific Adaptations to the Aquatic Environment; Heavy Metals in Dolphins from Northern Adriatic Sea & Potential Subtle Toxic Effects; From DNA to RNA to Proteins: Molecular Approaches to Decipher Dolphin's Genetic Information; New Perspectives on the Cetacean Morbillivirus Epidemiology & Taxonomy; Mediterranean Common Bottlenose Dolphin's Repertoire & Communication Use; Use & Function of Distinctive Whistle-Like Signals in Bottlenose Dolphin; Morphological, Compositional & NMR Dynamic Characteristics of the Echolocating Organs of Stenella Coeruleoalba; Traditional Uses & Conservation of Dolphins in Brazil; Does Affiliative Body Contact Repair Relationships among Bottlenose Dolphins?; Index.