Sun exposure makes some whales get darker, causes DNA damage in their skin

Aug 30, 2013 20:26 GMT  ·  By

Whales that spend a tad too much time swimming in the sun get a tan, researchers writing in today's issue of the journal Scientific Reports argue. Besides, it can sometimes happen that these marine mammals get sunburns.

This phenomenon has thus far been documented in blue, sperm and fin whales, EurekAlert reports.

Researchers say that, while migrating to sunnier climates, these marine mammals tend to get a wee darker than they normally would be.

Some even develop blisters and experience DNA damage in their skin cells. This damage is believed to be caused by exposure to UV light, the same source details.

Scientists now plan to investigate whether or not the blisters and the DNA damage said whale species get as a result of sun exposure could, under certain circumstances, lead to skin cancer.