Mysticeti: Calf Independence — Age (years)

In Mysticeti, calf independence occurs remarkably quickly — between 6 months and 1 year —, in contrast to Odontoceti, where it can take several years. The humpback whale, minke whale, North Atlantic right whale, and sei whale wean their calves after 1 year. The blue whale and Bryde’s whale are the earliest, with independence at 6 months (0.5 years). The fin whale falls in between at 0.6 years (approximately 7 months).

Chart data (Calf independence in years):

Note: Values in this chart are fractional years: 0.5 = 6 months · 0.6 ≈ 7 months · 1.0 = 12 months

References (with links)

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