Question:
> I'm needing an answer for a question on the juvenile sperm whale lower jaw
> bone size (approximately)
> as follows:
> Are we talking of dimensions of maybe 24 to 26 inches in overall length with
> a mandible ?? end area
> of 4 -5 inches wide?
> Also, how many teeth would be on the jaw, 18-20 teeth?
>
Reply:
Dear Ron,
Thank you for your questions. There are approximately 18-25 thick, conical
teeth in the lower jaw of sperm whales. Scientist, Dr. Jonathan Gordon says
that the lower jaw is (10 feet or 3m) and is thin. They can open their
lower jaw to about 90 degrees. The bone is dense and as thick at a man's
arm.
I hope this helps you! Thank you.
Kim
Kim Marshall
Executive Director
Ocean Alliance (Whale Conservation Inst. & the Voyage of the Odyssey)
191 Weston Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
781.259.0423 ext. 14 fax 259.0288
www.oceanalliance.org www.pbs.org/odyssey
Please support our efforts to conserve whales and their ocean environment
through research and education :)
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