We are pleased to share our new publication on the brain anatomy of the Baird’s beaked whale (Berardius bairdii), one of the largest toothed whales and a rarely studied member of the beaked whale family, Ziphiidae.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we provide a detailed description of the external and internal brain anatomy, including cortical folding, major brain structures and volumetric measurements. The Baird’s beaked whale brain shows a typical odontocete organization, with a large and highly folded neocortex.

At the same time, the encephalization quotient and relative cerebellar volume are lower than in delphinids, consistent with findings in other deep-diving cetaceans. These differences may reflect adaptations related to diving behavior, large body size and energetic constraints.