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Northern bottlenose
whale, Hyperoodon ampullatus.
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The northern bottlenose whale, Hyperoodon ampullatus, is named
for its short snout: ampullatus means "provided with a flask
or bottle". However, its most distinctive feature is the bulbous forehead,
which is more pronounced in males. The forehead is actually filled with
oil and thought to be an adaptation for deep diving.
Sexual dimorphism is conspicuous in this species: males are larger, their
foreheads are more bulbous, and they have two small teeth which protrude
through the front of their lower jaw. Northern bottlenose whales are greyish
black to light brown or yellowish with a whitish belly. Adults range in
length from 79 m and weigh between 5.8 and 7.8 tonnes. Females bear
one calf, every two or three years, after a gestation period of 12 months.
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