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Buoyancy Regulation in Deep Diving Whales

Nature volume 232, pages 133–134 (1971)Cite this article

Abstract

CLARKE1 has suggested that the spermaceti of the sperm whale serves as a buoyancy regulator by cooling as the whale dives into sea water of greater density. According to calculations presented1 a whale of 31,435 kg would have an increased lift of 79.5 kg on a dive from 22.3° C water to the deeper (1,000 m) colder water of 7.8° C. It is further suggested1 that other cetacea having similar spermaceti organs2 may adjust buoyancy in the same way.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anatomy School, Downing Street, Cambridge

    SAM H. RIDGWAY

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  1. SAM H. RIDGWAY
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RIDGWAY, S. Buoyancy Regulation in Deep Diving Whales. Nature 232, 133–134 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1038/232133a0

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