Baleen whales

Baleen Whales are a group of marine mammals that belong to the Mysticeti suborder of the Cetacea order. They are characterized by their unique feeding system, which consists of baleen plates for filtering food from water.

Anatomy and Physiology

Baleen whales have two blowholes on top of their head, which they use for breathing. They are also known for their large size, with some species like the blue whale being the largest animal ever known to have lived. The baleen plates in their mouths are made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails and hair. These plates act as a sieve, allowing the whales to filter out small plankton and krill from the water.

Diet

The diet of baleen whales primarily consists of small, shrimp-like animals known as krill, although some species also consume small fish. They feed by taking in a large amount of water and then pushing it out through their baleen plates, trapping their prey in the process.

Reproduction

Baleen whales are known for their complex mating rituals, which often involve singing and physical displays. They typically give birth to a single calf, which is nursed for several months before being weaned.

Conservation

Many species of baleen whales are currently threatened or endangered due to factors such as whaling, climate change, and habitat loss. Efforts are being made to protect these species and their habitats, including the establishment of marine protected areas and regulations on whaling.

See Also

• Blue Whale
• Humpback Whale
• Right Whale
• Whaling
• Marine Conservation