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Explore the anatomy of whales, from their unique skin characteristics to their specialized organs like lungs and heart. Learn about their reproductive process, stomach capacity, and more fascinating details.
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Anatomy and Physiology of Whales Kory Nicholi Kwasow
Skin • Nearly devoid of hair • Outside (dark) layer of epidermis only 1/10th of an inch. • Very few blood vessels • Excellent insulator, also edible.
Blowhole • Baleen Whale • Toothed Whale
Lungs and Heart • Some species such as Sperm whale can hold breath for two hours • Four Chambered
Ear • Receive sound through lower jaw • Bulla
Stomach • Can hold up to one ton of food. • Scientists have found up to two pounds of plastic bags in the stomach. • Waste is mostly liquid due to thorough digestion.
Genitals and Reproduction • Genitals concealed to reduce drag • One Year or longer Gestation • Multiple Partners
References http://www.whale-info.com/AnatomyofWhales.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/marine/whales/whale_reproduction.html