Sperm whale biting
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Whales and whaling

Sperm whales were feared for their jaw filled with huge strong teeth and right whales were feared for their tails which they could use to smash a small whaling boat to pieces.

Sperm whales use their jaw from what seems an unusual upside-down position, but by doing this they are better able to reach their target as the large top side of their head would mean that it would be difficult to lift themselves out of the water for a bite. Sperm whales only have teeth in the lower jaw, the upper jaw has sockets to receive the teeth when the mouth is closed.

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