Age classification of bowhead whales using recursive partitioning

An algorithm was derived for using morphometric data to classify bowhead whales into three age brackets: over 90 years (‘very old’); 60–90 (‘old’); and under 60 (‘younger’). Recursive partitioning applied a subset of the from post mortem examinations. This consisted with higher quality scores either estimated ages or characteristics very old animals such as: near-maximum body length baleen length; heavy scarring; ancient weapons embedded in them. Statistical analysis suggested that males, peduncle girth provide most useful information this classification. For females, anterior flipper were key variables classifying age. If is not available then length, may be used