The Bowhead Whale is the longest-lived mammal on Earth, with individuals known to exceed 200 years of age based on embedded stone harpoon points and genetic analysis. Its massive, triangular skull is used as a battering ram to break through sea ice up to two feet thick to breathe. Bowheads have the largest mouth of any animal relative to body size and produce diverse, haunting songs that change throughout the season.
Habitat
Arctic and subarctic sea ice environments
Diet
Copepods, krill, and zooplankton filtered through baleen
How common
Rare
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