Researchers recently discovered that rorqual whales have stretchy nerves in their mouths and tongues.
Rorqual whales are baleen whales that include some of the biggest species on the planet with appetites to match, often taking in loads of water and food that are larger than they are.
Researchers recently discovered a key factor in their remarkable ability to do this.
The whales have stretchy nerves in their mouths and tongues.
Said one of the scientists involved in the discovery, “These large nerves actually stretch and recoil like bungee cords.”
They are the only vertebrates known to possess this trait.
All other animals with backbones have very fixed