Editing Cetacea (section)

=== Lifespan ===
Among cetaceans, whales are distinguished by an unusual longevity compared to other higher mammals. Some species, such as the [[bowhead whale]] (''Balaena mysticetus''), can reach over 200 years. Based on the annual rings of the bony [[otic capsule]], the age of the oldest known specimen is a male determined to be 211 years at the time of death.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=John C George|author2=Jeffrey Bada|author3=Judith Zeh|author3-link= Judy Zeh |author4=Laura Scott|author5=Stephen E Brown|author6=Todd O'Hara|author7=Robert Suydam|title=Age and growth estimates of bowhead whales (''Balaena mysticetus'') via aspartic acid racemization|journal=Canadian Journal of Zoology|year=1999|volume=77|issue=4|doi=10.1139/z99-015|pages=571–580|bibcode=1999CaJZ...77..571G }}<!--|access-date=5 September 2015--></ref>