544. CHORDATA. 
The skull is of very peculiar shape and construction. 
The cranial part is almost globose in shape, and the facial 
is long, flat and tapering, forming the so-called ‘“ rostrum.”’ 
It is not difficult to get at least some insight into the 
reasons underlying these peculiarities. If we recall the 
Fig. 375.—SECTION OF SKULL OF YOUNG DOLPHIN (Globdocephalus mela. 
(After FLOWER.) 
Wa IP Pr 
Pi, Palatine. Per, Internal nares. Pt, Pterygoid. PS, Presphenoid. BS, Basisphi 
iid. AS, Alisphenoid. Vo,Vomer. Ax, Maxilla. Px, Premaxilla. MZ, Mesethmo 
tm, External nares, Wa, Nasal. JP, Interparietal. Fr, Frontal. a, Parietal. S 
jupraoccipital. £20, Exoccipital. BO, Basioccipital. Sg, Squamosal. Per, Periot 
A, Hyoid. cd, Condyle. a, angle. s, Symphysis. 
facial part of any of our terrestrial animals we find that 
it subserves two functions. The under-surface and lower 
part of it, forming the buccal chamber, is connected with 
the alimentary function; it bears the teeth and forms the 
palate. The upper part contains the large and complex 
nasal chambers, access to which is obtained by the 
