ScienceJuly 14, 2026
odontocetes
/oʊˈdɒntoʊsiːts/
Definition
A suborder of cetaceans that includes all whales, dolphins, and porpoises that possess teeth rather than baleen plates.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'odous' meaning tooth and 'ketos' meaning whale or sea monster. It entered scientific taxonomy to distinguish these toothed marine mammals from the baleen-bearing mysticetes.
In the news
The article uses the term to categorize the dolphins being studied in the Sea of Japan, highlighting that the research focuses on their specific biological group.
Dolphins dropping in to the Sea of Japan (IMAGE)
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!