Among the most remarkable species on Earth are whales. Being the biggest marine mammals on Earth, these gentle giants have long piqued our interest not only for their beauty and weight but also for their critical importance to our oceans. Thanks also to continuous research, whales are enabling scientists to better grasp world concerns including migration patterns, climate change, and even atmospheric quality. More bonuses?
You do not, however, have to be a scientist to value whales. For a chance to see them close on whale watching trips, people from all around the world swarm to locations such Sri Lanka, Norway, and the Azores. And if you have ever seen David Attenborough’s Blue Planet 2, you most likely already find yourself enamored with these amazing creatures from the convenience of your living room.
On the menu what is this? Baleen as opposed to teeth
There are two basic types of whales: toothed and baleen whales.
Usually the largest of the two, baleen whales lack teeth. Rather, they hang from their upper jaw long, comb-like projections known as baleen plates. These plates catch their food inside and let them sift small things like plankton from enormous gulps of water.
On the other hand, toothed whales hunt. Equipped with keen teeth, they hunt more substantial prey including fish, seals, and occasionally even other whales. And often they consume their catch whole instead of chewing.
Easying Breathing
Whales are animals just like humans, hence they require air even if they spend almost all of their lives underwater. Blowholes rather than gills define whales.
Two blowholes side by side define Baleen whales.
Just one exists in toothed whales.
This is the reason you will usually find that famous spray of water blasting skyward when they come up to breathe.
Designed for life at sea, Built for the Deep Whales have every element of their body working in concert.
Their dorsal fin steadies them.
Their flippers guide and help with elegant spins and rapid rotations.
Their strong fluke, or tail, easily drives them over the sea.
Though their forms and sizes vary depending on the species, these characteristics taken together provide whales total control whether they are diving to amazing depths or floating close to the surface.
Sensual Tools Designed for the Ocean
Whale eyes, although tiny and not their main sense, enable them to see underwater—usually up to roughly 35 feet ahead. They even create unique lubricants to maintain clear eyes from dirt and salt.
Still, whales really shine in hearing. For hunting, navigation, and communication they depend on sound.
The waxy plug in their ears provides protection, although it somewhat lowers their hearing sensitivity.
Particularly useful for echolocation, toothed whales lack this plug and have foam-cushioned ear bones, which provide remarkable hearing capacity.
The Effect of Blubber
Whales also carry blubber, a thick coating of fat under their skin. This shields their organs and serves as an energy reserve, so enabling their survival over great distances during fasting seasons, not only insulating them from cold waves.
See the Magic for Your Self.
A responsible whale viewing trip is the ideal approach if you have ever wanted to witness these amazing animals in the wild. Under the direction of knowledgeable guides and naturalists, these excursions bring you to some of the best whale habitats on Earth so you may see one of the most amazing displays front-row.
Spending time with whales is a wonderful experience that will leave you with not only amazing memories but also a fresh appreciation for these amazing giants of the sea, regardless of your lifetime love of animals or simple need to connect with the natural world.