blubber
Quick Summary
Blubber is the thick layer of fat found on whales and other large marine mammals. This fat serves as insulation, helping these animals survive in cold ocean waters, and also acts as an energy reserve. The term "blubber" can also refer to excessive body fat in general.1
Additionally, oil extracted from blubber, particularly whale oil, has historically been a valuable commodity. In a different context, "sea blubber" is another name for a jellyfish.23
It's important to distinguish blubber from a swim bladder, which is an organ found in most bony fish that helps them control buoyancy by regulating gas or oil within a body cavity.4
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whaleBlubber serves as an insulating layer to protect small whales from hypothermia. Large whales have the opposite problem in that they can produce too much heat; they possess elaborate thermoregulation mechanisms to prevent overheating.
Read MoreBlubber serves as an insulating layer to protect small whales from hypothermia. Large whales have the opposite problem in that they can produce too much heat; they possess elaborate thermoregulation mechanisms to prevent overheating.
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cetaceanCirculation and thermoregulation…evolved into a blanket of blubber, which is extremely rich in fats and oils and therefore conducts heat poorly. This blanket covers the entire body and is up to 30 cm (12 inches) thick in large whales, making up a significant portion of the animal’s weight. The oil yield of…
Read More…evolved into a blanket of blubber, which is extremely rich in fats and oils and therefore conducts heat poorly. This blanket covers the entire body and is up to 30 cm (12 inches) thick in large whales, making up a significant portion of the animal’s weight. The oil yield of…
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