Whales, echolocation

The so-called triglycerides of starfish contain 35% of the monoacyl monoalkyl (or monoalk-l -enyl) derivatives of ethanediol. It is considered that the fatty tissues in the melon and jaw oils of dolphins, porpoises, and toothed whales may play a major role in the echolocation system of these animals. Litchfield et al. have examined the melon oil and blubber of the Beluga whales, and report that the former remains clear at temperatures well below 0 °C, a property which is related to its unusual triglyceride composition. 

---