Here I thought that reading the section on bones in the Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals would bore me to tears. And well let’s just be honest, some of it was definitely sleep inducing. Until I came to the part about “two very different trends in bone architecture and histology.” OK, stay with me now, I… [read more]
Ode to the blue whale
The ocean’s most impressive feature Is an 85 foot long 100 ton creature That roams the oceans’ deep With rarely a moments sleep The largest animal to ever live on earth The blue whale is legendary for its girth Their massive mouths defy the mind By lunch feeding their jaws unwind Gulping water until their… [read more]
4 fabulous blubber facts
1. Blubber in marine mammals contains blood vessels and is adapted to serve as an adjustable warming and cooling mechanism. 2. The distribution of blubber in certain areas provides some marine mammals a more streamlined and hydrodynamic body shape. 3. Blubber serves as a source of water for marine mammals, which is crucial during fasting… [read more]
Blubber: it can be a good thing
For marine mammals, blubber is a very good thing indeed. Living in the water requires special adaptations and blubber happens to be a very important one. Blubber also provides important clues to scientists on the lifestyle of different marine mammals including their eating habits, where they hunt and find dinner, how many are there and… [read more]
5 real estate tips for marine mammals
1. Ancestors. If they had success living in a certain area, might be a good neighborhood to continue living in. 2. Food. Great way to grab a quick ocean meal when the food you enjoy eating lives nearby. 3. Predators. Think about the security and safety of not having to worry about being chased and… [read more]
Biogeography: what in the world?
Biogeography is the study of geographical distributions of living things and how they came to live where they are. To figure this out, biogeographers look at an animal’s habitat, behavior, evolution, habits and any other clues that might help in solving the puzzle. For marine mammals this is an interesting question. The ocean doesn’t restrict… [read more]
8 amazing facts about Belugas
1. Belugas have a tough dorsal ridge along their backs that is used to break through sea ice. 2. They are one of the few whales or dolphins who can turn their neck and head. 3. Nick-named the sea canary, belugas have the most diverse set of vocal calls / songs compared to other marine… [read more]
Belugas: the white whales
What better way to start February than with a post about the beluga whale? Here we are in the midst of winter and have the chance to learn about the white whale living in the Arctic where it feels like winter all year. Belugas or Delphinapterus leucas belong to the unique family Monodon monoceros, that… [read more]
Gray Whales: on the road again
Imagine doing a major road trip for 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Now imagine making that trip 11 months pregnant. Now imagine making the return trip of 5,000 to 7,000 miles just three months after arriving and giving birth. Now imagine doing these two major road trips every year of your life until the day you… [read more]
5 fascinating marine mammal behaviors
1. Sperm whales hang out in groups of about 10 females with their calves. If a killer whale attacks, calves will be surrounded by the adults for protection. Sperm whales also use this strategy to protect injured whales. 2. Some dolphins coordinate their feeding by surrounding a school of fish in a circle. Then the dolphins… [read more]
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