The remains of a Sperm Whale which died in the Moray Firth near Ardersier, Inverness-shire dragged from the waters using two JCB Diggers.
They have the largest brain of any creature known to have lived on Earth. Their heads also hold large quantities of a substance called spermaceti. Whalers once believed that the oily fluid was sperm, but scientists still do not understand the function of spermaceti. One common theory is that the fluid—which hardens to wax when cold—helps the whale alter its buoyancy so it can dive deep and rise again. Sperm whales are known to dive as deep as 3,280 feet in search of squid to eat. These giant mammals must hold their breath for up to 90 minutes on such dives.
Size: 6540px × 4366px
Location: Ardersier, Inverness-shire
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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