3 Facts About The Sperm Whale That May Surprise You

 

The sperm whale, or otherwise known as cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales, which makes it the largest toothed predator, and this is the only reason why people buy the sperm whale tooth to collect and showcase. It is one of three extant species in the family of sperm whales and the only living member of the genus Physeter. But this alone doesn’t make it one of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Here are three facts about the sperm whale that may surprise you:

They have the biggest brain on Earth

A human brain weighs only three pounds, but an adult sperm whale’s brain can weigh up to 16 or 17 pounds, which is more than five times the brain of a human. But proportionally, its brain occupies only 0.2% of the body weight, while a human brain occupies 2% of the body.




They are named after the white, waxy substance they produce

Initially, when researchers found this white, waxy material, which gets produced in a barrel-like organ inside the whale’s head, they thought it had a kind of a reproductive function, and therefore, named it “spermaceti,” which is Latin for whale seed. But after years of research, it was found that the material has some function in maintaining the buoyancy of the animal.

They are excellent divers

You probably didn’t know this, but sperm whales have been recorded diving to depths of more than 3,280 feet and can hold their breath for 90 minutes. Amazing, isn’t it?

In case you want to buy a sperm whale tooth for your fossil collection, check the online store of Buried Fossil Fuel, and add distinct fossils to your collection.

 

 

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