By: Michael Zamora
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The Sperm Whale is a massive, grey-colored whale that has teeth and a gigantic head, which is more than one-third of its own body. This gigantic head is a result of a gigantic brain. Did you know that sperm whales have the largest brains of any living animal? These whales can grow to become 30 to 60 ft long and weigh around 14 to 50 tons, depending on gender. Sperm Whales can also live for approximately 50 to 70 years! Their main food source is shrimp.
The reproductive system of a Sperm Whale begins with finding a mating ground and courtship-a period in which male whales will compete for a female whale. Like humans, Sperm Whales do not reproduce only during specific seasons of the year. However, unlike female humans who have gestation or pregnancy for 9 months, female Sperm Whales experience gestation for about 14-19 months! Once a calf is born, it immediately moves towards the surface, with the help of its mother, in order to receive its first breath. Within about 30 minutes, this newborn Sperm Whale is capable of swimming on its own. Furthermore, a female Sperm Whale reaches sexual maturity around the age of , meanwhile, a male Sperm Whale reaches sexual maturity in its twenties. Lastly, a mother Sperm Whale will give birth to about 7-10 calves. |