Sperm competition in grey whales

Authors

Katherine Ralls, National Zoological Park, Srnithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
Robert L. Brownell Jr., US Fish and Wildlife ServiceFollow

Date of this Version

11-1988

Comments

Published in NATURE VOL. 336 10 NOVEMBER 1988.

Abstract

SIR-Your legend for the drawing of grey whales taken from Cyall Watson's book Whales of the World, perpetuates the myth that a 'helper' male is necessary for successful mating in this species. The legend states that: "Only one male is involved in the actual mating; the other takes an upright position on the far side of the female, acting as a prop or wedge". This description of grey whale mating behavior. paraphrased from Watson's book, can he traced to Samaras.