Learn about whales and dolphins

These cetaceans are mammals that live in the water

Whales, dolphins and porpoises all live in water, but they’re not fish. They’re water-dwelling mammals known as cetaceans (Seh-TAY-shuns). This group includes the largest animals on Earth — blue whales — which can grow up to 29.9 meters (98 feet) in length. Most cetaceans live in the ocean, but there are a few species that live in freshwater or brackish water (water that is salty, but not as salty as the ocean). Cetaceans don’t have gills as fish do. To get the oxygen they need, these mammals breathe in air through structures called blowholes.

Cetaceans are split into two groups based on what and how they eat. Toothed whales — such as sperm whales, orcas (killer whales), dolphins, narwhals and porpoises — all have teeth that help them catch prey. They eat fish, squid and other large critters. Orcas have been known to eat penguins, seals, sharks and other whales. Most species of toothed whales can use echolocation to find prey.

Baleen whales lack teeth. Instead, plates of baleen line their mouths. That baleen is made of keratin — the same stuff as hair — and lets the whale filter krill and other small invertebrates from the water to eat. Humpback whales in Alaska, though, have figured out they can get a free meal of tiny salmon by hanging out at fish hatcheries.

Amusing facts about whales and dolphins

• They tend to be social and live in groups. Cetaceans may communicate by slapping the water.
• Killer whales are part of the dolphin family. There are three main types of killer whales, or ecotypes, in the North Pacific: Resident, Transient, and Offshore.
• Blue whales have the biggest hearts on the planet.
• Dolphins are some of the most intelligent animals on Earth.
• They can be pretty fast swimmers!
• Dolphins don’t chew the fish they catch, they swallow prey whole.
• Bryde’s whales can blow water 10 to 13 feet into the air when at the water’s surface.
• Whales have a role in potentially helping to combat climate change.
• Whale poop is powerful!

Why do whales sing?

https://youtu.be/7Xr9BYhlceA

 website refrence - https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/lets-learn-about-whales-dolphins-cetaceans

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/11-cool-facts-about-whales-dolphins-and-porpoises