Blue Whale, Flukes (IMAGE) Wildlife Conservation Society Caption The flukes of a blue whale are as wide as the wingspan of a small airplane. Scientists examining the genetic makeup of blue whales in the southeastern Pacific have detected two distinct populations, important information for developing conservation plans for this endangered species. Credit Image credit: Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete (CBA/UACh). Usage Restrictions One-time usage only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.