What important product comes from whales, and what is it used for?
Sperm whales were hunted for the oil in their heads, called spermaceti. It was used as lantern oil and to make perfumes and ointments.
People used to burn whale oil in lamps.
Today we use many products from whales.
http://library.thinkquest.org/2946/products.htm
http://www.whaleworld.org/About_Whale_World/Whaling_History/Whale_Products/
Thanks :-)
You're welcome.
One important product that comes from whales is whale oil. Whale oil is derived from the blubber of certain species of whales, such as the sperm whale. It has been used for various purposes throughout history.
To find out more about the uses of whale oil, we can conduct a search using reliable sources. One effective way to do this is by using a search engine like Google. Simply type in "uses of whale oil" and click on reputable sources such as academic institutions, scientific journals, or authoritative websites.
Some common uses of whale oil in the past include:
1. Lighting: Whale oil was highly valued as a fuel for lamps, particularly before the discovery of petroleum. It produced a clean and bright light, making it popular for indoor and street lighting.
2. Lubrication: Whale oil contains natural lubricants that are effective in reducing friction. It was commonly used to lubricate the mechanisms of clocks, watches, and other precision instruments.
3. Soap and cosmetics: Whale oil was used as a key ingredient in the production of soap and cosmetics. Its fatty acids made for a creamy and moisturizing texture in products like soaps, creams, and ointments.
4. Leather processing: The oil was applied to leather to enhance its flexibility and prevent cracking.
It's important to note that the commercial use of whale oil has significantly decreased since the 20th century due to concerns about the conservation of whale species and the development of alternative products.