Not long ago, a whale biologist named Phillip Clapham sent me a photograph that illustrates the consequences of life without a doorman. Like most creatures that swallow their food whole, sperm whales have a limited-to-nonexistent sense of taste. The photo is a black-and-white still life of twenty-five objects recovered from sperm whale stomachs. It's like Jonah set up housekeeping: a pitcher, a cup, a tube of toothpaste, a strainer, a wastebasket, a shoe, a decorative figurine.
Phillip Clapham, a whale biologist, shared a striking photograph illustrating the unique dietary experiences of sperm whales. These marine mammals, which consume their food whole, possess little to no sense of taste. The image he provided captures twenty-five objects discovered in the stomachs of sperm whales, showcasing the unintended consequences of their feeding habits.
The collection of items is unexpected and eclectic, resembling a bizarre household inventory. It includes a pitcher, a cup, hygiene products like toothpaste, and even a decorative figurine. This vivid example highlights the peculiar relationship between these creatures and their environment, as they inadvertently ingest various objects instead of food.
