Can Earwax Be Used to Tell a Whale's Age?

Like humans, whales produce a steady flow of earwax. Unlike humans, whales tend to develop plugs of wax that are not easily dislodged. In fact, the wax can accumulate over the life of the whale. Along with examining the teeth, measuring the amount of wax accumulated in the ears of whales makes it possible to accurately determine their ages.

More facts about measuring a whale’s age:

• With some whales, measuring ear wax is the only definitive way to determine age. This is true for varieties that do not have teeth, such as baleen whales. Scientists sometimes use both the condition of the teeth and the amount of wax buildup to determine the whale’s age.


• Using the wax plugs to determine age is a lot like counting the rings on a tree. The wax accumulates in layers, so it is easy to determine the number of layers that are present and relate that data to a specific number of years.


• It is not possible to collect earwax plugs from live whales. A combination of blubber and muscle protect the wax from easy collection. In addition, collecting wax from live marine animals is prohibited in a number of nations, including the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is whale earwax used to determine their age?

Whale earwax, or earplugs, accumulate in layers with each passing year, much like rings in a tree trunk. Scientists can count these layers to estimate the whale's age. Each layer corresponds to a semiannual cycle, with one light and one dark band representing a full year of life.

Is the earwax aging method accurate for all species of whales?

The earwax aging method is most effective for baleen whales, such as blue whales and fin whales, which are known to produce discernible earwax plugs. It's less applicable to toothed whales, like orcas and dolphins, as they produce less wax or have different ear structures.

What other information can whale earwax reveal?

Whale earwax can provide a wealth of information beyond age. It can reveal past stress events, exposure to pollutants, and dietary changes over the whale's lifetime. Chemical analysis of the earwax can show the presence of certain hormones and contaminants, offering insights into the whale's health and the ocean environment.

How do scientists collect whale earwax for study?

Whale earwax is typically collected during necropsies of deceased whales. Researchers carefully extract the earplug, which is a long, waxy buildup found in the whale's ear canal. This non-invasive method ensures that living whales are not harmed for the sake of research.

Can earwax be used to age live whales?

Currently, aging a live whale using earwax is not feasible, as the collection of earwax requires access to the internal ear canal, which can only be done post-mortem. Alternative methods, like observing physical characteristics or using photographic identification, are used to estimate the age of living whales.

Has whale earwax research contributed to conservation efforts?

Yes, research on whale earwax has significantly contributed to conservation efforts. By understanding the historical exposure of whales to pollutants and stressors, scientists can better assess the health of whale populations and the impact of human activities. This data is crucial for informing policies and measures aimed at protecting these majestic creatures and their habitats.