Lecture: Ecology and evolution of cetaceans - by Jeroen Hoekendijk

Cetaceans are among the most captivating animals on Earth. With a tongue as heavy as an elephant, the blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived. Sperm whales possess the largest brains on Earth—approximately six times heavier than a human's. With a distribution from the equator to the poles, orcas are, after humans, the most widespread mammal on Earth.

Due to their rapid evolution from land mammals to masters of the ocean and their key role in marine ecosystems, cetaceans continue to fascinate scientists and nature lovers alike. In this lecture, we dive into the ecology and evolution of cetaceans and discover how their remarkable history and exceptional adaptations have made them icons of the ocean.