How did sperm whales get their name? Is it because...?

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How did sperm whales get their name? Is it because...?

they bite the end off of submarines and suck out the seamen?

2006-12-10 12:57:41 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology

3 answers

No, nice try :) The Sperm whale was named after the milky-white substance spermaceti found in its head and originally mistaken for sperm.

2006-12-10 13:01:12 · answer #1 · answered by Albertan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋

No. The sperm whale was named for the valuable spermaceti oil (wax) that this whale produces in the spermaceti organ (located in its head).

2006-12-10 22:01:46 · answer #2 · answered by jamaica 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋

They have a cavity filled with a substance called spermaceti in the front of their heads. Some scientist think it might help the whale's bouyancy when it dives.

2006-12-10 21:25:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋