A dataset on the morphological, life-history, and ecological traits of cetaceans worldwide

doi:10.17520/biods.2024442

Abstract

Abstract:

There are 94 cetacean species worldwide, which represent one of the most enigmatic and threatened groups among mammals. Throughout their transition from land to water, cetaceans have evolved numerous morphological, life history, and ecological traits that enhance their adaptability to aquatic environments. However, a comprehensive global database of cetacean ecological characteristics is still lacking. Our study systematically reviews books, literature, and other data resources to collect and compile cetacean characteristic data, including 15 morphological traits, 12 life-history traits, and 11 ecological traits. Based on the collected data, we quantified the trait completeness for each species and employed phylogenetic linear regression model to explore the factors influencing the ratio of data completeness. The completeness of the morphological traits ranges from 72.15% to 100.00%, life history traits from 17.72% to 100.00%, and ecological traits from 25.32% to 100.00%. The regression analyses showed that species described earlier and inhabiting nearshore habitats tend to exhibit higher data completeness. This dataset provides essential foundational information for research in cetacean ecology, conservation biology, and evolutionary biology. It also serves as a significant platform for data sharing and communication in regional and global cetacean conservation efforts.

Database/Dataset Profile

Title	A dataset on the morphological, life-history, and ecological traits of cetaceans worldwide
Data author(s)	Songqi Zhang, Yi Lu, Bingyao Chen, Guang Yang, Yanping Wang, Chuanwu Chen
Data corresponding author	Chuanwu Chen (chencw@nnu.edu.cn)
Time range	Until December 2024
Geographical scope	Worldwide
File size	1.4 MB
Data format	*.xlsx
Data link	https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00152.00007 https://www.biodiversity-science.net/fileup/1005-0094/DATA/2024442.zip
Database/Dataset composition	The dataset consists of one data file and one data description file, encompassing 38 species traits of 94 cetaceans worldwide.

Key words: distribution characteristics, cetaceans, morphological characteristics, life-history traits, ecological characteristics

CLC Number:

Q958

Zhang Songqi, Lu Yi, Chen Bingyao, Yang Guang, Wang Yanping, Chen Chuanwu. A dataset on the morphological, life-history, and ecological traits of cetaceans worldwide[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2025, 33(2): 24442.

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URL: https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/10.17520/biods.2024442

https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/Y2025/V33/I2/24442

Figures/Tables 5

Fig. 1 The phylogenetic tree of 94 cetacean species worldwide encompasses 14 family groups. The square grids at the tips of the tree denote the extinction risk categories according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The color gradient of the species names represents the completeness of their traits, while the colored blocks within the tree represent the various families.

Fig. 2 Data completeness of the 15 morphological traits for the 94 cetacean species worldwide

Fig. 3 Data completeness of the 12 life-history traits for the 94 cetacean species worldwide

Fig. 4 Data completeness of the 11 ecological traits for the 94 cetacean species worldwide

Fig. 5 The multivariate model predicts the significance of different factors affecting the completeness of species trait data within a 95% confidence interval. The left graph (A) shows the analysis results including the description time, while the right graph (B) shows the significance of the remaining four variables after removing the description time. Solid circles represent the estimated values, and the error bars as well as the values in the brackets represent the confidence intervals.

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