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Whale Mating and Reproduction. Sarah Langan. General. Placental mammals Unborn calves are nourished via umbilical cord Seasonal breeders Testosterone increase in males Gestation period 10 – 17 months Cows birth 1 calf every 1 – 4 years Calf raised solely by mother cow. Breeding Season.
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Whale Mating and Reproduction Sarah Langan
General • Placental mammals • Unborn calves are nourished via umbilical cord • Seasonal breeders • Testosterone increase in males • Gestation period 10 – 17 months • Cows birth 1 calf every 1 – 4 years • Calf raised solely by mother cow
Breeding Season • Migrate south during fall and winter • Blue whales live on blubber during 4 month migration • Humpback whales have one of the longest migrations of any animal • Stay within northern or southern hemisphere • Courtship and mating occurs • Males migrate north while the females stay to birth their calves in the warmer water • Other reasons for migration • Male sperm whales constantly travel • Orcas migrate for food
Mating Behaviors • Males compete for females • Increased aggression • Breaching, staring, fin and tail slapping, songs • Physical fighting is usually a last resort • Competitive pods • Courtship • Biting • Tapping noses • More elaborate based on species
Genital slit of humpback whale Collecting sperm from an Orca at Sea World
Blue Whale Penis • Largest on Earth • Length: 8 – 16 ft • Diameter: 12 in • Testicles up to 25 lbs each
Birth • Calves are born underwater tail first • Surface for air immediately after birth • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyClkrV4dI4 • Calf remains with cow for 1 – 2 years • 7 – 10 years to reach sexual maturity
Suckling Milk • 35 – 50% fat • Calves drink milk 6 months – 1 year • Blue whale calves can consume up to 200 lbs per day