Pygmy Sperm Whale Flipper Replica

Description

Pygmy sperm whale flipper replica measures 14.5″L x 6.0″W and includes a scapula measuring 11.0″L x 9.5″W. Museum-grade polyurethane resin cast from Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History specimen: SBMNH 1419; Kogia breviceps; Adult male; Field #K-79-10; 25 June 1979; Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, California. 1:1 scale (life-size). Made in USA.

Pygmy sperm whale flipper replica Dimensions

• Flipper Length: 14.5 inches (36.8 cm)
• Flipper Width: 6.0 inches (15.2 cm)
• Scapula Length: 11.0 inches (27.9 cm)
• Scapula Width: 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
• Scale: 1:1 scale (life-size)
• Replica Weight (Net): 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg)
• Shipping Weight (Gross): 8.0 lbs (3.6 kg)

Pygmy sperm whale flipper replica Product Details

• Material: Durable polyurethane resin cast.
• Components: Pectoral limb (flipper) and associated scapula (shoulder blade).
• Features: Replicates the internal skeletal structure of the pectoral fin, showcasing the shortened humerus, radius, and ulna alongside the phalanges.
• Origin: This specific adult male specimen was collected following a stranding at Leadbetter Beach.

The Anatomy of Pygmy sperm whale

The Pygmy sperm whale is a mysterious deep-ocean inhabitant with skeletal adaptations for life in the mesopelagic zone. These adaptations are clearly demonstrated by specimens held at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Specifically, the following features define this specimen.

Pectoral Limb Architecture

• First, the Pygmy sperm whale flipper replica pectoral limb of the Pygmy sperm whale is remarkably short and broad. Consequently, the internal skeletal structure reveals a highly compressed humerus and radius. This specific configuration provides the necessary leverage for steering and stability. It is especially useful during rapid descents into high-pressure environments.

  The Scapula Structure

• Additionally, this whale flipper bone cast includes a scapula that is large and fan-shaped relative to the animal’s body size. This bone serves as a primary attachment point for powerful muscles. Therefore, these muscles allow the whale to maintain precise control over its flipper movements. This control is essential while navigating the bathypelagic zone.

  Hydrodynamic Efficiency

• Furthermore, the external shape of the kogia breviceps flipper is tapered for maximum hydrodynamic efficiency. Because of this shape, the whale experiences less drag as it cruises at depth. This specific specimen highlights the transition from terrestrial limb bones to a specialized marine steering paddle.

Deep Sea Locomotion

• Moreover, since these whales spend much of their lives in the deep sea, their limbs have evolved for maneuvering at depth. The density of the resin used in this whale anatomy replica allows for a tactile understanding of the bone mass. This mass is required to withstand extreme hydrostatic pressure.

The Evolutionary Link

• Finally, the cetacean limb model serves as a vital evolutionary record. It shows how five-fingered mammalian limbs were modified into a cohesive fin structure. As a result, researchers can study the transition from land-based mammals to fully aquatic deep-sea specialists.

Scientific classification:

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Infraorder: Cetacea
• Suborder: Odontoceti
• Superfamily: Physeteroidea
• Family: Kogiidae
• Genus: Kogia
• Species: K. breviceps
• Binomial name: Kogia breviceps
• Conservation status: Data Deficient

The Pygmy sperm whale flipper replica is an authentic, 1:1 scale (life-size) reproduction molded from specimen: SBMNH 1419; Kogia breviceps; Adult male; Field #K-79-10; 25 June 1979; Leadbetter Beach, Santa Barbara, California.