Sex hormone concentrations in blood serum from the North Atlantic fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

1992 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Kjeld ◽  
J. Sigurjónsson ◽  
A. Árnason
Keyword(s):  
Blood Serum ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
The North ◽  
Group I ◽  
Fin Whales

ABSTRACT Blood serum concentrations of testosterone and progesterone were measured in postmortem samples taken at sea from 814 fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) caught during the summers (June–September) of 1981–1989. The ages of 781 of these animals were also assessed. The testosterone concentrations in samples from 352 males averaged 2 nmol/l; 41 samples had concentrations of 0·1 nmol/l or lower and 34 of these came from whales aged between 2 and 14 years and showed a Gaussian type of age distribution with a peak number at 7 to 8 years. The mean testosterone concentrations in the males increased by more than fourfold between June and August. Serum progesterone concentrations of the 462 females fell into three separate groups: (1) group I with values ≤ 0·1 nmol/l; (2) group II with intermediate values of > 0·1 nmol/l but <10 nmol/l; (3) group III with values of ≥ 10 nmol/l. These three groups of females seemed to consist respectively of young sexually immature females, mature non-pregnant females and pregnant females. The age distribution in the groups indicated that puberty in females is attained chiefly between the ages of 7 and 10. The yearly pregnancy rate (that percentage of all females caught and studied in a year which had progesterone values ≥10 nmol/l) was between 35% and 55%, except in 1987 when it was 67%. The yearly pregnancy rate would range from 56% to 93% if only mature females (i.e. those with serum progesterone >0·1 nmol/l) were considered. Serum oestradiol concentrations in male and female fin whales had no relation to age, sex or pregnancy. Journal of Endocrinology (1992) 134, 405–413

Revision of fin whale Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus, 1758) subspecies using genetics

2019 ◽  
Vol 100 (5) ◽  
pp. 1653-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick I Archer ◽  
Robert L Brownell ◽  
Brittany L Hancock-Hanser ◽  
Phillip A Morin ◽  
Kelly M Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Atlantic ◽  
North Pacific ◽  
Recent Analysis ◽  
Snp Analysis ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
The North ◽  
Fin Whales ◽  
The North Pacific

Abstract Three subspecies of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are currently recognized, including the northern fin whale (B. p. physalus), the southern fin whale (B. p. quoyi), and the pygmy fin whale (B. p. patachonica). The Northern Hemisphere subspecies encompasses fin whales in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. A recent analysis of 154 mitogenome sequences of fin whales from these two ocean basins and the Southern Hemisphere suggested that the North Pacific and North Atlantic populations should be treated as different subspecies. Using these mitogenome sequences, in this study, we conduct analyses on a larger mtDNA control region data set, and on 23 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 144 of the 154 samples in the mitogenome data set. Our results reveal that North Pacific and North Atlantic fin whales can be correctly assigned to their ocean basin with 99% accuracy. Results of the SNP analysis indicate a correct classification rate of 95%, very low rates of gene flow among ocean basins, and that distinct mitogenome matrilines in the North Pacific are interbreeding. These results indicate that North Pacific fin whales should be recognized as a separate subspecies, with the name B. p. velifera Cope in Scammon 1869 as the oldest available name.

The distribution, cellular structure, and metabolism of adipose tissue in the fin whale, Balaenoptera physalus

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 534-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline M. Pond ◽  
Christine A. Mattacks
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Glucose Utilization ◽  
Significant Activity ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
The North ◽  
Adipocyte Volume

The gross mass, mean adipocyte volume, and hexokinase and phosphofructokinase activities of blubber and internal adipose tissue were measured from fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) caught in the North Atlantic west of Iceland. Fin whale adipocytes are smaller but more numerous than predictions from allometric equations relating adipose tissue structure to body mass, but the deviations are no greater than those of some terrestrial mammals, including humans. Significant activity of the glycolytic enzymes was measured from all adipose tissue samples except those around the eyeball; the activities of hexokinase and phosphofructokinase measured at room temperature are only slightly lower in the blubber than in the internal adipose depots. There was little evidence for metabolic correlates of the site-specific differences in the structure and chemistry of blubber. The highest capacity for glucose utilization was measured in adipose tissue from depots in the neck and the thorax, both of which may contain thermogenic tissue in neonates.

scholarly journals Contrasting Phylogeographic Patterns Among Northern and Southern Hemisphere Fin Whale Populations With New Data From the Southern Pacific

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
MJosé Pérez-Alvarez ◽  
Sebastián Kraft ◽  
Nicolás I. Segovia ◽  
Carlos Olavarría ◽  
Sergio Nigenda-Morales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Morphological Data ◽  
Phylogeographic Structure ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
Middle Latitudes ◽  
The North ◽  
Southeastern Pacific ◽  
Fin Whales ◽  
Dispersal Events

Four fin whale sub-species are currently considered valid: Balaenoptera physalus physalus in the North Atlantic, B. p. velifera in the North Pacific, B. p. quoyi and B. p. patachonica in the Southern Hemisphere. The last, not genetically validated, was described as a pygmy-type sub-species, found in low to mid latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. Genetic analyses across hemispheres show strong phylogeographic structure, yet low geographic coverage in middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere impeded an assessment within the area, as well as evaluating the validity of B. p. patachonica. New mtDNA sequences from the Southeastern Pacific allowed an improved coverage of the species’ distribution. Our phylogenetic analyses showed three main lineages and contrasting phylogeographic patterns between Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Absence of recurrent female mediated gene flow between hemispheres was found; however, rare dispersal events revealing old migrations were noted. The absence of genetic structure suggests the existence of one single taxa within the Southern Hemisphere. Thus, until further evidence supporting this subspecies can be produced, such as genetic, ecological, behavioral, or morphological data, we propose that all fin whales from the Southern Hemisphere, including those from middle latitudes of the Southeastern Pacific belong to B. p. quoyi subspecies. This information is important for the current assessment of fin whales, contributing to the evaluation of the taxonomic classification and the conservation of the species.

The first identified winter feeding ground of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Mediterranean Sea

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 903-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simonepietro Canese ◽  
Andrea Cardinali ◽  
Caterina Maria Fortuna ◽  
Michela Giusti ◽  
Giancarlo Lauriano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
Feeding Ground ◽  
The North ◽  
South Central ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Fin Whales ◽  
Winter Feeding

The presence of fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea has been documented since ancient times. In spite of this, reliable information on their ecology and distribution is limited to the north-western part of the basin. Recent genetic studies have demonstrated that Mediterranean fin whales comprise a separate population with very limited gene flow with their North Atlantic co-specifics. Although both published and anecdotal information reports their presence in the south central Mediterranean during winter, there is no information on habitat use. In February 2004, a 14-day boat survey was carried out in the waters surrounding the island of Lampedusa, where fin whales occur at this time of the year. A total of 20 fin whale groups (average group size two animals) were encountered. In each encounter the animals were engaged in surface feeding activity. From plankton samples and underwater video, the prey species was identified as the Euphausiid, Nyctiphanes couchi. The information obtained suggests that this area may be an important winter feeding ground for fin whales. The results represent significant new information on fin whale ecology in the Mediterranean, with associated conservation and management implications.

Large-scale seasonal distribution of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the central Mediterranean Sea

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 1253-1261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Aïssi ◽  
Antonio Celona ◽  
Giorgia Comparetto ◽  
Renata Mangano ◽  
Maurizio Würtz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
High Abundance ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Feeding Ground ◽  
The North ◽  
Central Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fin Whales ◽  
North Western

Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are the only mysticete regularly found in the Mediterranean Sea. Its exceptional high abundance during the summer period in the north-western Mediterranean is essentially due to productive waters, but outside of this spatio-temporal window its distribution still remains quite unknown. This paper investigates the distribution of the fin whale on large-scales during the 2002–2006 period. Three areas of the central Mediterranean Sea were selected: the Ligurian Sea in the north-western Mediterranean belonging to the Pelagos Sanctuary; the area connecting both Mediterranean basins in the south-western Mediterranean, the Strait of Messina; and the waters surrounding the island of Lampedusa, in the central Mediterranean. Of the 41,270 km covered by the three surveys, a total of 98 sightings was recorded corresponding to 198 fin whales. Results display a year round distribution along synchronic seasonal dispatching, with a feeding behaviour occurrence in the northern part of the Pelagos Sanctuary during late spring and summer. They indicate high abundance in the Lampedusa area from late winter to early spring manifesting feeding activity. In the Strait of Messina, our results point out the importance of this area as a seasonal feeding ground and an important location for regular autumn transfers between both Mediterranean basins. According to the feeding ground in the two Mediterranean basins, whales change foraging strategy, one being single animals or animal pairs searching for prey in the water column while the other strategy is associated with more individuals feeding on the surface. The strategies differ also by their ecological conditions, such as depth affinity and shoreline distance.

Whale milk. I. Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) milk: gross composition and fatty acid constitution

1969 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. H. Lauer ◽  
B. E. Baker
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Beluga Whale ◽  
Delphinapterus Leucas ◽  
Hudson Bay ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Atlantic ◽  
Beluga Whale Delphinapterus Leucas

Milk was obtained from a fin whale which was killed in the North Atlantic and from a beluga whale which was killed in Hudson Bay. The gross composition and fatty acid constitution of the milks were determined.

On the occurrence of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in the northern Adriatic

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 861-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lovrenc Lipej ◽  
Jakov Dulčić ◽  
Boris Kryštufek
Keyword(s):  
Humpback Whale ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
Zooplankton Abundance ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Northern Adriatic ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
Fin Whales ◽  
Basking Shark

Twenty-three observations of 26 fin whales Balaenoptera physalus are documented for the northern Adriatic. Records were more common along the eastern coast and have increased over the last decades. The latter coincides with the increased presence of other planktivorous vertebrates (humpback whale, basking shark) and possibly follow changes in the zooplankton abundance.

scholarly journals Effect of Metformin and Clomiphene Citrate in Improving Fertility in Subfertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasina Begum ◽  
TA Chowdhury ◽  
Ferdousi Begum ◽  
Shamsun Nahar Begum ◽  
Nazneen Kabir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Clomiphene Citrate ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Group I ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Per Oral

Objective: The main aim of this study was to compare the effect of metformin and clomiphene citrate on ovulation and conception rate in PCOS patients.Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was undertaken in the infertility outpatient department in Institute of Child and Maternal Health (ICMH), Dhaka during the period from January 2012 to December 2012. Total 71 PCOS women based on Rotterdam criteria were selected after randomization. They were divided into two groups - Group I (n=35) received metformin 500mg per oral thrice daily and Group II (n= 36) received clomiphene citrate 100mg orally per day from D2 for five days up-to six months.Results: Baseline characteristics of both sample groups were almost similar. Ovulation was confirmed by measuring D21 serum progesterone. Cumulative ovulation rate over six months period was not statistically different (57.14 % and 61.11%); (P=0.115), and pregnancy rate was (34.28 % and 42.85%); (P=0.521)respectively.Conclusion: Metformin has been found to be as effective as clomiphene citrate in terms of ovulation (57.14 % and 61.11%); and pregnancy rate (34.28 % and 42.85%) respectivelyBangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2014; Vol. 29(1) : 15-20

scholarly journals Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) mitogenomics: A cautionary tale of defining sub-species from mitochondrial sequence monophyly

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea A. Cabrera ◽  
Jeroen P. A. Hoekendijk ◽  
Alex Aguilar ◽  
Susan G. Barco ◽  
Simon Berrow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Genetic Drift ◽  
North Atlantic ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Complete Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Balaenoptera Physalus ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
Fin Whales

HighlightsMitochondrial monophyly is commonly employed to define evolutionary significant units.Monophyly may be caused by insufficient sampling or a recent common ancestor.Mitogenomic studies are generally based on few samples and prone to sampling issues.Expanded mitogenome sampling negates previous monophyly in fin whales.AbstractThe advent of massive parallel sequencing technologies has resulted in an increase of studies based upon complete mitochondrial genome DNA sequences that revisit the taxonomic status within and among species. Spatially distinct monophyly in mitogenomic genealogies, i.e., the sharing of a recent common ancestor among con-specific samples collected in the same region has been viewed as evidence for subspecies. Several recent studies in cetaceans have employed this criterion to suggest subsequent intraspecific taxonomic revisions. We reason that employing intra-specific, spatially distinct monophyly at non-recombining, clonally inherited genomes is an unsatisfactory criterion for defining subspecies based upon theoretical (genetic drift) and practical (sampling effort) arguments. This point is illustrated by a re-analysis of a global mitogenomic assessment of fin whales, Balaenoptera physalus spp., published by Archer et al. (2013) which proposed to further subdivide the Northern Hemisphere fin whale subspecies, B. p. physalus. The proposed revision was based upon the detection of spatially distinct monophyly among North Atlantic and North Pacific fin whales in a genealogy based upon complete mitochondrial genome DNA sequences. The extended analysis conducted in this study (1,676 mitochondrial control region, 162 complete mitochondrial genome DNA sequences and 20 microsatellite loci genotyped in 358 samples) revealed that the apparent monophyly among North Atlantic fin whales reported by Archer et al. (2013) to be due to low sample sizes. In conclusion, defining sub-species from monophyly (i.e., the absence of para-or polyphyly) can lead to erroneous conclusions due to relatively “trivial” aspects, such as sampling. Basic population genetic processes (i.e., genetic drift and migration) also affect the time to most recent common ancestor and hence the probability that individuals in a sample are monophyletic.

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