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

Reproductive Anatomy (External)

Reproductive Anatomy (Internal)

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

Penis emerging from Genital Slit

Humpback Whale Copulation

Birth Calves are born underwater tail first Surface for air immediately after birth 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

Questions?