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First published online August 31, 2004
Journal of Experimental Biology 207, 3569-3580 (2004)
Published by The Company of Biologists 2004
doi: 10.1242/jeb.01202

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Models of hydrodynamic flow in the bowhead whale filter feeding apparatus

Alexander J. Werth

Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943, USA

e-mail: awerth{at}hsc.edu

Accepted 14 July 2004

Anatomical and behavioral analyses suggest that the filtration mechanism of bowhead and right whales (Balaenidae) is driven by hydrodynamic as well as ram hydraulic pressures. Complementary models were devised to investigate biomechanical aspects of water flow in the buccal cavity of the bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus during continuous filter feeding. A mathematical model was created to test and quantify water flow predictions with steady state hydromechanical equations; a physical model of the bowhead mouth (approximately 1/15 scale) was constructed to visualize flow processes. Both models rely on morphometric data obtained from whales harvested by Inupiat Eskimos for subsistence purposes along with information on foraging ecology (locomotor velocity, gape, etc.). Results indicate that unique features of balaenid oral construction and function (e.g. subrostral gap, orolabial sulcus, curvature of baleen, extensive mandibular rotation and lingual mobility) not only permit steady, unidirectional flow of water through the mouth, but also establish Bernoulli and Venturi effects during feeding. These hydrodynamic conditions allow balaenids to improve filtering efficiency and avoid creation of an anterior compressive wave (by increasing flow velocity and thereby reducing pressure) so that they may capture elusive prey even at slow swimming speeds.

Key words: bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus, water flow, buccal cavity, baleen, tongue, feeding mechanism, morphology, filtration, flow, hydrodynamics

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