Why are sperm whales called sperm whales
Answer
Sperm whales are named for their unique ability to produce and store a waxy, spermaceti-rich substance in their massive heads[7]. This substance was highly useful for whaling operations and was believed to be sperm, which is how the species got its name[3]. This waxy substance is used by the whales to change their buoyancy in the water, helping them dive deep and hunt their prey[3].
It is also believed that this substance helps focus the whales’ echolocation beams which allows them to more effectively target their prey[8].
Websites
- https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/sperm-whale
- https://www.britannica.com/story/how-did-the-sperm-whale-get-its-name
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sperm_whale
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/well-why-are-sperm-whales-called-sperm-whales/
- https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/sperm-whale
- https://oceana.org/marine-life/sperm-whale/
- https://www.livescience.com/sperm-whales
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-sperm-whales-deadly-call-94653/
- https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-ambergris.html
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