This image shows a picture of a whale's tail sticking out of the water. Whales can often be identified by their tail features.
Click on image for full size
Windows Original, adapted from Corel Photography
Whales
Whales, like dolphins, are part of the Cetacea order. The name Cetacea comes from the Latin 'cetus', which means large marine creature or sea monster! But, whales are no danger to people...
Actually, it is people who are a threat to whales. Over the last 150 years, many species of whales have been brought close to extinction because of unconstrained whale hunting.
Whales strain plankton from the sea or they eat fish. Killer whales do eat squid and sometimes seals and otters too.
Whales make lots of unique and complex noises. We call them whale songs. One song may last as long as 35 minutes. The songs are used in identifying other whales, warning other whales of the same pod and in increasing sexual attraction between possible
mating pairs.
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The
Spring 2010 issue of The Earth Scientist, focuses on the ocean, including articles on polar research, coral reefs, ocean acidification, and climate. Includes a gorgeous full color poster!
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