Those White Crusts on Whales Are Alive and Full of Stories

The video explores the unique white patches on right whales, known as calocities, which are essentially callouses covered in crustaceans called cyamids or whale lice. These lice, while not true lice, play a significant role in the whale's ecosystem and may help in locating food. They also provide valuable data for scientists studying whale populations and their history. The genetic study of these lice offers insights into whale species' evolution and health, aiding in conservation efforts.

What are calocities on right whales primarily composed of?

• Dead skin cells

• Salt deposits

• Algae growth

• Barnacle shells

How do whale lice typically transfer between whales?

• Through water currents

• By swimming independently

• Via close contact, such as nursing

• By jumping from one whale to another

What is one proposed benefit of whale lice to their host whales?

• They clean the whale's skin

• They protect against predators

• They provide camouflage

• They help locate food

What can the presence of orange cyamids on a whale indicate?

• The whale is young or sick

• The whale is old

• The whale is migrating

• The whale is healthy

What unusual discovery was made about a beached right whale calf?

• It had no calocities

• It was cared for by humpback whales

• It was covered in barnacles

• It had a unique call