Baleen whale

Baleen Whale

The baleen whale (also known as whalebone whales or mysticetes) is a large species of whale that is distinguished by its unique feeding system. Unlike other whales, baleen whales are filter feeders that sieve small plankton and krill from the ocean using baleen plates in their mouths.

Anatomy and Characteristics

Baleen whales are characterized by two blowholes on top of their head, which they use for breathing. The most distinctive feature of these whales is their baleen plates, which are made of keratin, the same material as human nails and hair. These plates act as a filter, allowing the whale to consume large amounts of small prey.

Baleen whales range in size from the relatively small minke whale at 6 meters (20 feet) to the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, which can reach lengths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and weigh as much as 200 tons.

Feeding and Behavior

Baleen whales are known for their unique feeding behavior. They take in large amounts of water and prey, then push the water out through their baleen plates, trapping the food inside. This method allows them to consume tons of small prey each day.

These whales are generally solitary or live in small groups, although some species, like the humpback whale, are known for their complex social structures and behaviors, including the creation of "songs" that can be heard for miles.

Conservation

Many species of baleen whales were heavily hunted during the whaling era, leading to significant population declines. Today, most baleen whales are protected under international law, but they continue to face threats from ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and changes in their food supply due to climate change.

See Also

• Toothed whale
• Cetacean
• Whaling