Scientists study baleen from a Blue Whale that has died and washed up on the beach at Newport, R.I.

Baleen is a sieve-like device that Mysticeti (Baleen whales) use to obtain nourishment (krill). Baleen is a series of stiff, flexible material that hang from the upper jaw. The inside of the baleen is edged with hairy plates that filter krill.

Baleen is made of keratin (the same substance our fingernails are made of).

It is also called whalebone.

Baleen whales use the bristles they have for teeth to filter across the surface of the ocean for feeding.

A Baleen Experiment

Materials: a comb, tooth brushes, pepper, a bowl of water.

Procedure: Fill a bowl of water and sprinkle heavily with pepper.

Dip the comb into the water.

Dip the toothbrush into the water.

Conclusion: What collects more pepper?

Which tool acts most like baleen? Why?

How does it work better?