Baleen whale

Mysticeti Diversity

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Balaena mysticetus NOAA

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Eubalaena glacialis NOAA

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Baleen whale

Baleen whales are a group of cetaceans known for their unique feeding system. Unlike toothed whales, baleen whales possess baleen plates for filtering food from water. These plates are made of keratin, the same substance found in human hair and nails. Baleen whales are part of the suborder Mysticeti, which includes some of the largest animals on Earth.

Characteristics

Baleen whales are characterized by their large size, with species such as the blue whale being the largest animal known to have ever existed. They have two blowholes on the top of their heads, which distinguishes them from toothed whales that have only one. The baleen plates are used to filter small organisms like krill, plankton, and small fish from the water.

Feeding

Baleen whales employ a method known as filter feeding. They take in a large amount of water and then push it out through their baleen plates, trapping the food inside their mouths. This method is highly efficient and allows them to consume large quantities of food necessary to sustain their massive size.

Reproduction

Baleen whales typically have a long gestation period, often lasting about a year. They give birth to live young, which are nursed with milk from the mother. The calves stay with their mothers for an extended period, learning essential survival skills.

Migration

Many species of baleen whales are known for their long migratory patterns. They often travel between feeding grounds in colder waters and breeding grounds in warmer waters. This migration can cover thousands of miles and is crucial for their survival.

Conservation

Several species of baleen whales are considered endangered due to factors such as whaling, habitat loss, and climate change. International efforts, including the establishment of the International Whaling Commission, aim to protect these majestic creatures and ensure their survival for future generations.

Species

Some notable species of baleen whales include:

• Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
• Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
• Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
• Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
• Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)

Related Pages

• Cetacea
• Toothed whale
• Blue whale
• Humpback whale
• Gray whale
• Fin whale
• Minke whale
• International Whaling Commission
• Filter feeding