A distinguishing feature of beaked whales is the "vertex", a formation of elevated cranial bones posterior
to the superior nares that form a crest at the highest point of the skull.
Posterior View
of Skull
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When the posterior aspect of the skull is viewed from a point aligned with the the long axis of the rostrum, the profile of the vertex projects above the supraoccipital as a slightly asymmetrical block with sheer sides.
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When the posterior aspect of the skull is viewed from a point aligned with the the long axis of the rostrum, the vertex is completely occluded by the supraoccipital or so little of the vertex shows that the sides are not visible.
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