#40 Whales (English)

 Whales

Whales, where to begin? There is so much people don't know about whales! For example, they belong to the same order as dolphins and porpoises which is cetacea. Whales are also divided into two suborders, baleens, the largest species of whale and toothed whales who sense their environment through echolocation. Echolocation is the location of objects by reflected sound.
As whales are indeed mammals, they breathe air into lungs, are warm-blooded, feed their young milk and have some hair. Their tail fins enable them to propel themselves through the water.
A layer of fat called blubber, which lies beneath the skin of a whale, serves as an energy reserve as well as insulation. Whales breathe through blowholes and while toothed whales only have one, baleens have two, yet another distinction between the two suborders.

Depending on the type of species of whale, diet varies. It can range from microscopic plankton to large marine animals. The population also varies with each species.
The behavior of whales is very interesting. They tend to migrate long distances each year going from their cold water-feeding grounds to warmer areas. They either travel alone, in groups or in pods (small herds.) Most whales are extremely active, they breach out of the water and thrust their tails against the water's surface which is believed to be a warning of danger nearby. They also communicate using lyrical sounds which can be heard for miles.

Unlike many animals, whales are conscious breathers which means they decide when to breathe. This of course means that when they sleep they cannot afford to fall into an unconscious state for too long.
The mating season of whales varies depending on the species, along with the gestation period which can range from 9-15 months! The number of offspring is only one calf, however this strategy ensures a high probability of survival in the wild.
Climate change is a serious threat to whales with rising sea levels and changes in the temperature of the sea. This leaves whales in a vulnerable situation as they may not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive.

McA