Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Science

Whales leave DNA 'footprints' across the ocean. Here's how we track them

The Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the ocean's largest animals. Among the nine species of cetaceans commonly found along its western shores are the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus, the world's second-largest marine animal), and the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). These species can reach...

Whales leave DNA 'footprints' across the ocean. Here's how we track them
Image: Phys.org
The Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the ocean's largest animals. Among the nine species of cetaceans commonly found along its western shores are the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus, the world's second-largest marine animal), and the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). These species can reach lengths of up to 23 and 18 meters respectively, and their populations are genetically isolated from their Atlantic counterparts.

Originally published at Phys.org

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