A note on the preparation of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) teeth for age determination
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We describe a modification to the most common method of preparing sperm whale teeth for age determination. The first mandibular or nearest straightest tooth was sectioned in half with a slow-rotating band saw, polished and, rather than subjecting the sectioned tooth to 10% formic acid for 30 hours, etched in 15% formic acid. The exposure time of each tooth to the acid varied depending on the size, and especially, the density of the tooth. Clear, well defined growth layer groups in sperm whale teeth suitable for age determination can be produced in substantially shorter periods of time. A method for the preparation of teeth from young sperm whales is also described. Thin sectioning and staining of teeth is used to prepare small teeth from young animals and avoids potential decalcification, which may possibly occur using acid etching methods.
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