Bowhead Whale Apr 2026

: They are the longest-lived mammals on Earth, often surviving for over 200 years . Evolution and Biology

The bowhead whale ( Balaena mysticetus ) is an Arctic powerhouse, known for its record-breaking lifespan and incredible physical adaptations to the freezing north. Key Characteristics bowhead whale

: As filter feeders, they have the longest baleen plates of any whale, reaching up to 4 meters (13 feet) . : They are the longest-lived mammals on Earth,

: They have massive, reinforced skulls that can break through sea ice up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick—and some reports suggest up to 2 feet—to reach air. bowhead whale

: The only large whale that lives in the Arctic year-round.