Development of the Locomotor Muscles of Spinner Dolphins and Beluga Whales

In collaboration with Shawn Noren at UC Santa Cruz, we are investigating the development of the locomotor muscles of spinner dolphins and beluga whales. We will be comparing the fiber-type profiles and oxidative activities of neonatal, juvenile, and adult animals to determine how these properties change over the postnatal development of these fully aquatic marine mammals.

Students working on this project include: