Biology
The Thermoregulatory Function of Baleen in Bowhead Whales
Quick fact
Bowhead whales have the longest baleen plates of any whale—up to 4 meters—and these plates are so dense that they act like a thermal sieve, helping the whale retain heat even while swimming through near-freezing Arctic seas.
Why this is interesting
When a bowhead whale opens its mouth to feed, it doesn't just swallow food—it may also be keeping its brain warm. How does its baleen help with that?