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Sperm Whale

Verified iNaturalist Mammals

Photo: (c) Fred Derks, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY (May be cropped or resized)

Physeter macrocephalus

Notable features include the largest brain on Earth, more than five times heavier than a human's, and the longest intestinal system in the world, exceeding 300 m in large animals. Sperm whales can live 70 years or more (Wikipedia, general species account). Females and young males live together in groups and the females cooperate to protect and nurse the young, while mature bulls live alone outside the mating season. (Wikipedia, general species account).

The sperm whale, or cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator, a pelagic species with a worldwide range that migrates seasonally for feeding and breeding. It hunts squid on deep dives, using echolocation clicks to search for prey (Wikipedia, general species account). The species is a pelagic mammal with a worldwide range, and will migrate seasonally for feeding and breeding. The teeth are functional, but do not appear to be necessary for capturing or eating squid, as well-fed animals have been found without teeth or even with deformed jaws. (Wikipedia, general species account).

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