The Structure of Whale Blubber, and a Discussion of its Thermal Properties

ABSTRACT As a warm-blooded animal, a whale must be adapted not only to prevent an excessive loss of heat but also to control the rate of heat loss in relation to changes in its metabolic activity and in the temperature of its surroundings. This paper contains an account of whale blubber considered from this point of view. The first part is devoted to the morphology of blubber, particular attention being paid to the blood circulation which does not appear to have been previously described; and the second part contains a discussion of the efficacy of blubber as a thermal insulator of controllable conductance. The results are based on a study of the Common Porpoise (Phocaena phocaena), and the Blue and Fin Whales (Balaenoptera musculus and B. physalus).