A DIVERGENT mtDNA LINEAGE AMONG MESOPLODON BEAKED WHALES: MOLECULAR EVIDENCE FOR A NEW SPECIES IN THE TROPICAL PACIFIC? (original) (raw)

2007, Marine Mammal Science

AI-generated Abstract

DNA sequence analysis has been pivotal in revealing undiscovered biodiversity within the beaked whale family (Ziphiidae), which remains poorly understood. Notable discoveries include new and resurrected species, affirmed by robust genetic data from mitochondrial genes. This paper particularly highlights the potential identification of a novel Mesoplodon species in the tropical Pacific, supported by distinct genetic markers that differentiate it from known species. The research emphasizes the importance of molecular techniques in taxonomy and species identification within cetaceans.