That just introduces more questions. What was the evolutionary advantage of baleen before it was used for filter feeding? Edit: Three hypothesis outlined in th

That just introduces more questions. What was the evolutionary advantage of baleen before it was used for filter feeding? Edit: Three hypothesis outlined in the parent's linked PDF: * Archaic mysticetes used their denticulate teeth to (suction) filter feed like living leopard and crabeater seals, thereby linking tooth function directly with the evolution of bulk feeding and baleen. * A period of overlap, during which baleen and teeth would have functioned alongside each other. * Archaic whales first turned from raptorial into suction feeders, which then triggered tooth loss and, eventually, facilitated the emergence of baleen.