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Physeter catodon and Hyperoodon ampullatus
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Physeter catodon and Hyperoodon ampullatus
Sperm whale and northern bottlenose whale. Plate 45 from British Mammals Vol. 1 & 2 by Archibald Thorburn, 1920-21
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Media ID 8616361
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10705644
Aquatic Archibald Archibald Thorburn Beaked Whale Bottlenose Bottlenose Whale Cetacea Cetacean Compare Comparison Epitheria Eutheria Habitat Hyperoodon Hyperoodon Ampullatus Mammalia Northern Bottlenose Whale
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This plate from British Mammals Vol. 1 & 2 by Archibald Thorburn, created between 1920 and 1921, showcases two remarkable marine mammals: the Physeter catodon, or Sperm Whale, and the Hyperoodon ampullatus, or Northern Bottlenose Whale. Both animals are part of the Cetacean order, a group of large, aquatic mammals that evolved from land-dwelling ancestors millions of years ago. The Sperm Whale, depicted on the left, is the largest living toothed predator and can reach lengths of up to 60 feet (18 meters). Known for their massive heads and distinctive square-shaped teeth, these whales are named for the spermaceti organ, a large, waxy substance found in their heads that was once believed to be sperm. Sperm Whales are deep-diving specialists, spending most of their time at depths of over 3,000 feet (900 meters), and they are often found in the open ocean. On the right, the Northern Bottlenose Whale, or Hyperoodon ampullatus, is a smaller, more agile cetacean, typically measuring between 25 and 33 feet (7.6 to 10 meters) in length. These beaked whales are named for their distinctive, bulbous foreheads, which help them to navigate and locate prey in the deep ocean. Unlike the Sperm Whale, which is a daytime feeder, the Northern Bottlenose Whale is an expert at echolocation, using clicks and body movements to locate prey in the dark depths of the ocean. Thorburn's exquisite illustration captures the unique features and characteristics of both species, providing a fascinating glimpse into the diverse world of marine mammals. The intricate details and lifelike quality of the artwork serve as a testament to Thorburn's skill as a natural history illustrator and his dedication to documenting the natural world.
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