Page 130 - The World of Animals

There is a layer of fat approximately 50

centimetres (20 inches) under the
skin of whales. The

basic function of this
layer is to

maintain the
body temperature at

around 34 to 37 degrees Centigrade
(93F to 98F).

At this point, it might be useful to remind you about the following:
Contrary to the prevalent conviction, the whale and other fish do not

drink seawater, because salty water is injurious to organisms. For this
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reason, they meet their need for water from the food they take in.

Each year in December and January, grey whales departing from
the North Sea migrate to the southern coasts of Northern America

and reach California. Their purpose in migrating to warmer water is
to give birth. What is interesting is that the pregnant mother eats

nothing throughout this journey; actually, she does not need to.
Throughout the long summer days, she feeds in the rich waters of the

North, thereby storing more than enough energy for a long journey.
As soon as the female whale reaches the coast of west Mexico, she

delivers her baby. Baby whales feed on their mothers' milk and store
as much fat as possible. This preparation makes them strong enough