The Whale Tail Comparison

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you’ve already been subjected to my passion for whales on several occasions. And the bit with the whale carcass. And whale watching. But, if you are new to the blog and my – ah – focus on marine biology current events, welcome! and prepare yourself.

This whale chart is amazing, and I wish I could find a higher resolution version to print for my wall. There is nothing like comparison to help you see things that you don’t notice right away or appreciate about a particular animal. For example, I have studied orcas for years, and this chart was the first time I really noticed how bullet-shaped they are, something that certainly contributes to their stealth, speed, and agility.

Another one? The sheer size of the blue whale. I never tire of seeing that. What a giant. We really can’t wrap our brains around something that huge.

Also, the sperm’s whale iconic shape struck me on this chart. Moby Dick has so secured that concept of the whale in our minds that it is interesting how much popular culture, especially for children, uses the sperm whale as the universal shape to represent whales. Yet when you actually see the sperm whale with other whales, you realize it is the exception to the rule, not the standard.

These kind of observations always refresh the brain and jog other facts and memories that often get buried with time. Do you have a favorite subject that is worth a revisit for a fresh perspective? If so, find a chart! It’s the fast track method for interesting and fun learning!

Tagged as: Biology, current events, marine biology, marine biology current events, whale carcass, whale tail, whales