Sperm whale education resource

The largest toothed predator stripped to the bones

This skeleton is from a large male sperm whale. The bones give a sense of the whale’s size – the largest toothed predator on the planet. Globally, sperm whales are the most widespread of whale species.

Find out more about the sperm whale skeleton.

At the exhibition

Introduce the idea of skeletons to students with reference to the sperm whale skeletons in the exhibition. Explore the immediate area, then discuss the following questions and topics.

Questions for 5 to 10 year olds

• Why is the skeleton an important part of the body? Can you see any differences between these two skeletons? If so, what are they?
• How do you think these huge creatures died?
• How many bones can you count?

Questions for 10 years old and over

• What is the purpose of a skeleton?
• Make comparisons between a human and a whale skeleton. What is similar? What is different?
• Feel your arm from the shoulder to the hand. How many bones can you count? Which of your arm bones are similar to those in a whale’s fin?
• Where are the tail bones?
• Sperm whales have very large heads. What is the purpose of having such a big nose?

Teacher's notes

Scientists find out important information from studying an animal’s skeleton. For example, the sperm whale’s skeleton reveals a thin, lower jaw that opens wider than expected and contains lots of impressive teeth. This is interesting because their teeth aren’t used for eating – the whale sucks prey into its mouth. Male sperm whales appear to use their teeth mostly for fighting other males.

Note the skeleton’s large skull. The sperm whale gets its name from the liquid waxes and oils – the spermaceti organ – in its head. This organ is part of a complex system of sound production in the nose of the whale.

The skeleton shows the whale’s massive ribs. The ribs support and protect the core internal organs, as they do in humans and other mammals. The ribs of whales are angled backwards and can move more freely than terrestrial mammals. For example, the chest compresses to help the animal dive to great depths.

Tū Hononga, the male sperm whale, gifted to Te Papa by Te Kawerau ā Maki in 2006. Reproduced courtesy of the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.

Sperm whale showing skeleton and internal organs. Illustration by Anton van Helden.

Tū Hononga and Hinewainui during the installation of the exhibition.