Name/Title
Porpoise SkullEntry/Object ID
2012.2.8Description
Description: Phylum: Chordata
Family: Phocoenidae
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Common Name: Porpoise
Age: Pliocene
Location: Attacama Desert, Peru
Description: Well preserved skull encased in a sandstone matrix.
Physical Characteristics:
Porpoises ( /'p?rp?s/; also called mereswine) are small cetaceans of the family Phocoenidae; they are related to whales and dolphins. They are distinct from dolphins, although the word "porpoise" has been used to refer to any small dolphin, especially by sailors and fishermen. The most obvious visible difference between the two groups is that porpoises have shorter beaks and flattened, spade-shaped teeth distinct from the conical teeth of dolphins.
The name derives from French pourpois, originally from Medieval Latin porpaloose (porcus pig + piscus fish).
Porpoises, divided into six species, live in all oceans, and mostly near the shore. Freshwater populations of the finless porpoise also exist. Probably the best known species is the harbour porpoise, which can be found across the Northern Hemisphere. Like all toothed whales, porpoises are predators, using sounds (echolocation in sonar form) to locate prey and to coordinate with others. They hunt fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Elements: One(1) complete femur
Family: Phocoenidae
Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Phylum: ChordataCollection
Mike Hammer Fossil CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2012.2Source or Donor
Mike HammerAcquisition Method
Long-term LoanOther Names and Numbers
Other Number
Other Number: MKH-8Dimensions
Width
8 inDepth
5 inLength
12 inLocation
Location
Container
LeftDrawer
BottomShelf
RightCabinet
Case# 49Room
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
Permanent
