Deep-diving sperm whale
How does a mammal the size of a bus survive great depths?
Sperm whales are rather odd-looking creatures. They have the biggest head and brain in the animal kingdom, which looks out of proportion to the rest of the body, and is much more noticeable in males. They also have a narrow, long lower jaw. Sperm whales are mammals that, just like us, need to breathe air. Unlike us, they are very well adapted to life in deeper waters. At depth in the ocean, pressure increases and volume decreases, but that doesn’t bother these whales. They can dive down to depths of more than 2,200 metres – that’s the same as about 22 full-size football pitches.