A dataset on the morphological, life-history and ecological traits of cetaceans worldwide

Aims: There are 94 cetacean species worldwide, which represent one of the most enigmatic and threatened groups among mammals. Throughout their transition from land to water, cetaceans have evolved numerous morphological, life history, and ecological traits that enhance their adaptability to aquatic environments. However, a comprehensive global database of cetacean ecological characteristics has yet to be established.Method: Our study systematically reviews books, literature, and data resources to collect and organize cetacean characteristic data, including 15 morphological traits, 12 life-history traits, and 11 ecological traits. Based on the collected data, we quantified the trait completeness for each species and employed phylogenetic linear regression model to investigate the factors influencing the ratio of data completeness.Results: The completeness of the morphological traits ranges from 73% to 100%, life history traits from 29% to 100%, and ecological traits from 30% to 100%. The regression analyses showed that species described earlier and inhabiting nearshore habitats tend to exhibit higher data completeness.Conclusion: This dataset provides essential foundational information for research in cetacean ecology, conservation biology, and evolutionary biology. It also serves as a significant platform for data sharing and communication in regional and global cetacean conservation efforts.