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Genetics and fatty acids assist in deciphering narwhal (Monodon monoceros) social groupings

Polar Biology, ISSN: 0722-4060, Vol: 38, Issue: 12, Page: 1971-1981
2015
  • 2
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 44
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

  • Citations
    2
    • Citation Indexes
      2
  • Captures
    44

Article Description

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are an entirely arctic odontocete, living in upwards of 95 % pack ice and complete darkness over the winter. As a result of the harsh conditions in which they live, there are few studies of their social structure; however, it has been hypothesized that narwhals display a matrilineal social structure where pods are centered on the mother. A fortuitous opportunity arose to study social structure when an ice entrapment event near the community of Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada captured many females and their offspring. Using genetic analyses and fatty acids as a dietary marker, we investigated whether individuals that are closely related forage together, which would support a matrilineally driven social structure where females teach their young foraging strategies, and/or travel and forage together. We found no evidence that genetic relatedness was correlated with the fatty acid biomarkers, which provides some evidence against a matrilineal social structure. The possibility of narwhals displaying a fission–fusion societal structure is discussed, but further observational and experimental techniques are needed to support or refute this hypothesis.

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