lain. 



Figure 27. — A freshly dead gei whale from the Pacific (top) and a stranded specimen in an advanced stage of decomposition at Cape Island, S.C. (bottom 

 and inset). Note that even though the distinctive coloration of the fresh specimen has faded on the rotting specimen, the numbers and lengths of the 

 ventral grooves (38 to 56 in number and stopping well short of the navel) still permit the specimen to be distinguished from fin, blue, and Bryde's whales, 

 in all of which the grooves extend at least to the navel. {Photos by Japanete Whales Research Institute, courtesy of H. Omura [top]; and J. G. 



Mead [bottom and inset].) 



35 



