Page 232 - (DK) I Can’t Believe It! 2

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In 2015, a blue whale washed up in
Newfoundland, Canada, was the first to
have its heart fully preserved for scientific
study. The whale was 78 ft (24 m) long. A blue
whale’s heart
weighs as much
a motorcycle.
The Honda CBR600FS
weighs around 400 lb
(180 kg) without fuel.
The aorta, or
main artery,
is so wide,
a human head
can fit inside.

BEACHED WHALE

Very occasionally, a blue whale
carcass gets washed up on the
beach. Its huge size increases
as it decomposes and gets filled
with methane gas, which can
make it explode.

US_230-231_309600_Whales_Heart.indd 230 19/12/17 3:48 pm