What is the purpose of “sperm” in sperm whales?

The purpose of sperm in sperm whales is the same as in any other mammal: to convey a father's DNA to the egg for fertilization. But sperm whales aren't called that because of their actual sperm. read more

The purpose of sperm in sperm whales is the same as in any other mammal: to convey a father’s DNA to the egg for fertilization. But sperm whales aren’t called that because of their actual sperm. read more

The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) or cachalot / ˈ k æ ʃ ə ˌ l ɒ t, ˈ k æ ʃ ə ˌ l oʊ / is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. It is the only living member of genus Physeter and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of the genus Kogia. read more

Spermaceti (from Greek sperma meaning "seed", and ceti, the genitive form of "whale") is a waxy substance found in the head cavities of the sperm whale (and, in smaller quantities, in the oils of other whales). Spermaceti is created in the spermaceti organ inside the whale's head. read more