ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel MinuteEarth Ambergris: Why Perfume Makers Love Constipated Whales
Have you ever wondered what makes some perfumes smell so unique and last so long? Well, one of the secret ingredients is something called ambergris, and it has a fascinating story behind it!
For a long time, people were puzzled about where ambergris came from. Some thought it might be tree sap, a type of undersea mushroom, or even tar from underwater volcanoes. But the truth is even more surprising: ambergris comes from sperm whales!
The journey of ambergris begins when sperm whales eat squid. Most of the squid’s soft parts are digested easily, but the hard beaks and other tough bits can be tricky. Sometimes, these hard parts get stuck in the whale’s intestines. Instead of being pooped out, they can clump together with other materials, like bits of intestinal worms, forming a blockage.
As the whale’s intestines try to push these blockages out, some might break free, while others grow bigger and denser. The whale’s colon can stretch to hold these growing masses, but eventually, it might burst, releasing the ambergris into the ocean.
Once in the ocean, ambergris needs to float around for months or even years. During this time, it interacts with the sun, saltwater, and air, transforming from a smelly lump into a valuable ingredient for perfumes. This process gives ambergris its unique scent that perfume makers love.
Here’s a fun tidbit: ambergris is a bit like the mythical philosopher’s stone from the anime series “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.” If you’re into anime, you might enjoy watching this series along with others like “Dragon Ball Super” or “Attack on Titan.” You can find these shows on Crunchyroll, a platform that offers a wide range of anime from Japan.
Thanks to Crunchyroll for supporting this exploration of ambergris. If you’re curious, you can try Crunchyroll Premium for free and dive into the world of anime!
Draw a comic strip that illustrates the journey of ambergris from the whale’s intestines to becoming a key ingredient in perfumes. Use your creativity to show each stage of the process, and add captions to explain what’s happening in each panel.
Conduct a research project on the history and uses of ambergris in the perfume industry. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class, including interesting facts and any controversies surrounding its use.
Try making your own simple perfume using essential oils and other natural ingredients. Experiment with different combinations to create a unique scent, and write a short description of your creation, explaining how it might compare to perfumes using ambergris.
Participate in a classroom debate about the ethical implications of using ambergris in perfumes. Take a position either for or against its use, and prepare arguments to support your stance. Consider environmental, economic, and cultural perspectives.
Watch an episode of “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” and discuss how the concept of the philosopher’s stone relates to ambergris. Write a short essay comparing the fictional stone’s properties to the real-life transformation of ambergris.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hi, this is Emily from MinuteEarth. For centuries, perfume-makers have been fascinated by ambergris, a rare substance that gives fragrances a long-lasting, unique scent. For a long time, its origin was a mystery, with people speculating that it might be tree sap, a type of undersea mushroom, or even tar from submerged volcanoes. However, we have traced this intriguing perfume ingredient back to sperm whales.
The story begins after sperm whales consume squid. Usually, the soft parts pass through the whale’s digestive system, while the hard beaks and other tough components are expelled. Occasionally, some of these hard parts make their way into the intestines. Instead of being excreted, they can sometimes become entangled with each other and with remnants of intestinal worms, forming blockages.
As the intestines contract, some of these blockages may break free, while others grow denser, capturing more material. A sperm whale’s colon can expand significantly to accommodate these growing masses, but eventually, it can rupture, leading to the release of ambergris into the ocean.
To achieve its desired quality for perfumes, ambergris must float in the ocean for months or even years, undergoing changes as it interacts with the elements, transforming from its original state into a valuable fragrance ingredient.
Hey, this is Ever, an illustrator here at MinuteEarth. You might find it interesting that ambergris is reminiscent of the mythical philosopher’s stone, which the Elric Brothers seek in my favorite anime series. You can watch “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” and many other series like “Dragon Ball Super,” “Yuri!! on Ice,” or catch up with “Attack on Titan” Season 1 at Crunchyroll.
Crunchyroll sponsored this video to let you know that they have gathered the best new anime from Japan all in one place. Right now, you can try out Crunchyroll Premium, their new HD, ad-free offering, for 30 days free. Visit crunchyroll.com/minuteearth or click the link in the description to show your support. Thanks, Crunchyroll!
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This version maintains the core information while removing any inappropriate or overly casual language.
Ambergris – A waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales, often found floating in the ocean, and used in making perfumes. – Scientists study ambergris to understand more about the diet and health of sperm whales.
Sperm – The male reproductive cell in animals, including humans, which is necessary for fertilization. – In biology class, we learned how sperm cells travel to fertilize an egg.
Whales – Large marine mammals that live in the ocean and are known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. – Whales communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, which can travel long distances underwater.
Squid – A type of cephalopod with a soft body, tentacles, and a distinct head, often found in saltwater environments. – Squid are known for their ability to change color rapidly to blend into their surroundings.
Intestines – The long, tube-like organs in the digestive system where nutrients are absorbed from food. – The intestines of a squid are quite different from those of mammals.
Ocean – A vast body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth’s surface and is home to a diverse range of organisms. – The ocean is crucial for regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting marine life.
Saltwater – Water from the sea or ocean that contains a high concentration of salt. – Many marine animals have adapted to live in saltwater environments.
Air – The invisible mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and is essential for breathing and supporting life. – Whales must come to the surface of the ocean to breathe air through their blowholes.
Perfumes – Fragrant liquids made from essential oils and other aromatic compounds, often used to give a pleasant scent to the body. – Ambergris is a rare ingredient sometimes used in making high-quality perfumes.
Scent – A distinctive smell, often pleasant, that can be produced by natural or artificial means. – The scent of the ocean can be refreshing and invigorating.
