Whales can get sunburnt

According to a team of researchers whales can get sunburnt just like humans can.

The scientists studied more than 150 whales in the Gulf of California. They were interested in the effects of increasing levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on wildlife.

By taking photographs and skin samples, the researchers found the whales had blisters that were caused by sun damage. The report concluded that darker skinned whales showed fewer signs of sun damage.

The whales were a good model for this because as they need to come to the surface to breathe air, to socialise and to feed their young, meaning that they are frequently exposed to the full force of the sun.

Find out more on this research.