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Whale Mating and Reproduction: Insights into this Fascinating Process

Discover the intricate mating behaviors and reproductive anatomy of whales, the magnificent placental mammals. Learn about their breeding season, migration patterns, courtship rituals, and more. Witness the miracle of birth as calves are raised and nourished by their mothers.

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Whale Mating and Reproduction: Insights into this Fascinating Process

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  1. Whale Mating and Reproduction Sarah Langan

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Reproductive Anatomy (External)

  6. Reproductive Anatomy (Internal)

  7. Genital slit of humpback whale Collecting sperm from an Orca at Sea World

  8. Blue Whale Penis • Largest on Earth • Length: 8 – 16 ft • Diameter: 12 in • Testicles up to 25 lbs each

  9. Penis emerging from Genital Slit

  10. Humpback Whale Copulation

  11. 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

  12. Suckling Milk • 35 – 50% fat • Calves drink milk 6 months – 1 year • Blue whale calves can consume up to 200 lbs per day

  13. Questions?

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