Historical Data Sources on the Morphometry and Oil Yield of the Bowhead Whale

Résumé

Historical data sources on the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) provide the means to statistically examine the relationships of body and baleen size and oil yield. These data demonstrate a linear relationship between length of the whale and baleen length, with no apparent differences between males and females. Since baleen length was a standard measure of size, it is possible to compare sizes of whales taken on different whaling grounds with the sizes of living whales today. A quadratic regression provides the best fit for baleen length versus oil yield, but a linear regression is best for baleen weight versus oil yield. Commercial oil returns may be useful in examining the evolution of the whaling industry and aspects of population segregation of the bowhead.