Embryology of dolphins. Staging and ageing of embryos and fetuses of some cetaceans.

Introduction.- Length and weight of adults, life span.- Length and weight of newborn, ontogenetic pattern.- Duration of intrauterine development.- Mating and calving seasons.- Calving intervals, duration of lactation.- Aims of this study.- Material.- Methods.- Staging.- Ageing.- Results.- Developmental stages in the dolphin species under study.- Development of body shape and fetal growth.- Development of head shape and its growth.- Development of thoracic limb (flipper).- Development of pelvic limb buds.- Development of the fluke.- Development of the dorsal fin.- Duration of intrauterine development.- Mating and Calving Seasons.-Discussion.- Comparison of the staging and ageing method with other methods.- Duration of intrauterine development and the mating and calving seasons.- References.- Index.