What feature distinguishes the Family Acipenseridae from paddlefishes regarding sensory organs?
Answer
Barbels are located in front of the mouth rather than behind it
The defining characteristic separating the Family Acipenseridae, which includes the White Sturgeon, from paddlefishes lies in the placement of their sensory barbels relative to the mouth. Sturgeons possess four sensory barbels situated anteriorly, or in front of, their mouth, which they utilize to detect food buried in the substrate. Paddlefishes, conversely, have their barbels positioned differently. While both groups share the primitive characteristics of the Order Acipenseriformes, the specific morphology of the feeding apparatus, including the location of these barbels, is critical for distinguishing the true sturgeons within their family structure.
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