Students Test Whale Snot to Analyse Humpback Whale Health
In preparation for this year’s Science Day on 23 August, our Year 9 Marine Science students had a sneak preview of one of the activities that will be available for students to participate in on the day.
In an innovative experiment, the girls were tasked with analysing the health of humpback whales by testing whale snot – a unique, albeit unconventional, method that provides valuable insights into the wellbeing of these majestic creatures during their migration.
Why Whale Snot?
Whale snot, or exhaled breath condensate, is collected from the blow of a whale as it surfaces. This mixture of mucus and seawater contains a wealth of biological information, including proteins, glucose, and other indicators of health. By analysing these components, scientists can gain a better understanding of the whale’s immune function, stress levels, and overall health without harming the animal.
The Experiment: Testing for Health Indicators
During the experiment, the girls tested several key health indicators in the whale snot samples:
- pH Levels:Â The pH of the snot was tested to determine if the environment inside the whale was more acidic or alkaline, which can signal stress or illness.
- Glucose:Â High glucose levels might indicate stress or disease, while lower levels suggest that the whale is maintaining a healthy metabolism.
- Proteins: The presence of specific proteins can indicate the whale’s immune response and overall health.
The students also observed the appearance and consistency of the snot itself, noting any unusual colours, thickness, or odours that could signal underlying health issues.
An Unexpected Challenge: Oil Slicks
Unfortunately, not all the news from the field was good. During the whale migration, some whales encountered an oil slick, which was also tested by the students. The presence of oil in the water posed a significant threat to the whales’ health, potentially affecting their respiratory systems and contaminating their food sources. The analysis of the whale snot revealed alarming changes in the pH levels and an increase in harmful proteins, underscoring the detrimental impact of the oil slick on these creatures.
Lessons Learned
This experiment not only provided a hands-on learning experience but also highlighted the real-world challenges faced by marine life. Our students came away with a deeper understanding of how environmental factors, like pollution, can have a profound impact on wildlife. They also learned the importance of continued research and conservation efforts to protect these incredible animals and their habitats.
The activity was a great success, with our young scientists making significant contributions to the study of marine biology. Their work will no doubt inspire future endeavours to safeguard the health of humpback whales and other marine species.
- Conservation, EnvironmentalScience, Featured, HandsOnLearning, learningforlife, MarineBiology, StudentExperiments, WhaleHealth
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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