Baleen Whales and Pepper Experiments

Blue whales, the largest animal on the planet, are one species of baleen whale.

Innovative and interesting methods for introducing animal life don't need to be expensive or complicated. As some of the largest creatures inhabiting the Earth, whales are a point of considerable curiosity and wonder. A small-scale experiment can give children and/or students a more sophisticated understanding of how the baleen varieties of these mammals feed in their natural habitat and how components of their anatomy function.

Identifying Baleen Whales

Baleen whales are a specific set of whales whose jaws are equipped with baleen plates. The plates can be found in rows along both sides of the mouth descending from the upper part of the jaw. The baleen is made from a substance called keratin which is also present in the hair and nails of human beings. As the bottom portion of the baleen wears or erodes through use, it is constantly replenished with freshly produced baleen from the jaw. Some of the most famous whales -- as well as the largest -- are baleen whales. These include, but are not limited to blue, right, humpback and gray whales.

Significance of Baleen

These baleen plates serve as vital tools for the whales in food collection. As one of the primary food sources for these whales is krill -- a form of crustacean similar to shrimp -- they need devices that can help them collect these tiny creatures. The baleen operates as a filter. As the whale travels through the water when feeding, it allows its jaws to remain open, causing innumerable gallons of seawater to enter into its mouth. During this process, the baleen separates the krill from the water and ferries them deeper into the whale for consumption.

Experiment and Materials

An experiment involving baleen whales and pepper seeks to replicate a scenario where the pepper represents the krill and you have to supply the baleen. Start by collecting a toothbrush and a regular hair comb. These two serve as the potential baleen. Fill a vessel with water. It can be a good-sized bowl if you have a lot of onlookers or participants who want to see what's happening. Next, grab a jar or dispenser of black pepper and add the pepper generously to the vessel of water. Black pepper is ideal due to its enhanced visibility.You've now reconstructed the ocean water and krill population.

Conclusions

Guide each of the baleen possibilities -- the toothbrush and comb -- through the peppered water individually. Observe how, if at all, they collect the black pepper and, if so, how efficiently they do it. Have all participants record their observations however you wish and then have them draw conclusions as to why they believed one was superior to the other. Then have them compare this to the nature of baleen and how it operates in the natural world. You may ask the question: Which is closer to the actual character of baleen, the comb or brush?

References

• mtsd-vt: Baleen Experiment
• Kid Cyber--Animals: Baleen Whales
• Kid Cyber: Antarctic Animals