Vertebrae

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Vertebrae have a large range as well. Some are concave on both ends, some are concave on just one end, while others are flat on both ends. As with the limb bones, there is a growth plate on either end of the vertebrae. If a young whale, still growing, dies, the ends of the vertebrae (called epipheseal plates) may fall off. Sometimes one may find the vertebrae missing the epipheseal plates or one may find just the plate. Among those found at this site are:


Sharks

Note how circular and concave they are. It is like that on both sides of each vertebrae.


Whales

     One vertebrae from the "lower back".                           A whole series of vertebrae from the rib cage and down.



 Brett Dooley Website Maintained since 2011 Last Updated July 2019