Orca Teeth Reveal Age Secrets

Scientists have employed a groundbreaking technique using radioactive isotopes found in whale teeth to accurately determine their ages. This method has provided insights into the lifespans of marine mammals off Scotland's coast.

Two male orcas, identified as Aquarius and John Coe, frequently seen near Scotland's west coast, are estimated to be over 50 years old. Their ages were determined through analysis of their teeth, leveraging radioactive markers.

Further research examined a tooth from Lulu, an orca from the West Coast Community, who washed ashore in 2016. Her tooth contained a distinct radiocarbon signature, the Sellafield signal, originating from nuclear reprocessing discharges in the Irish Sea and carried by currents.

In another study, a sperm whale named Moby, who died after stranding in 1997, was found to be at least 43 years old. The absence of nuclear fallout in older tooth layers aided researchers in estimating his age.

This collaborative study involved researchers from leading Scottish universities and National Museums Scotland, with findings published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science.