Discovering the Enigmatic World of Whales: Fascinating Facts You Need to Know!
Whales are the largest marine mammals in the world. They have numerous fascinating aspects that we often overlook. Today, let’s explore some insightful facts about these magnificent creatures of the ocean!
- Whales are a broad term encompassing various underwater mammals in the order Cetacea (whales, dolphins, and porpoises).
- The term “whale” sometimes refers to all species within the order Cetacea but excludes dolphins and porpoises.
- Blue whales are indifferent to the type of water they swim in. They have been found in every ocean on the planet, including both warm and cold waters.
- Killer whales, also known as orcas, are highly skilled and dangerous hunters. They are aware that great white sharks need to swim to the surface to breathe, so they flip these sharks upside down to immobilize them and make them easier prey.
- In 2007, a large sperm whale was discovered with a harpoon embedded in its neck since 1880. This proved that it lived at least 130 years.
- The largest whale in the world is the blue whale, reaching up to 30 meters in length and weighing over 180 tons, while the smallest is the dwarf sperm whale at a height of 3.5 meters.
- The tongue of a blue whale weighs as much as an elephant.
- The arteries in a blue whale’s heart are large enough for an average-sized human to swim through.
- Whales have been hunted for their meat, bones, and for medicinal purposes.
- Due to excessive hunting, most whale species are currently critically endangered.
- Whales have evolved from the dinosaur group called Artiodactyls, which lived on land.
- They are warm-blooded creatures.
- Whale blubber helps their bodies store energy and provides insulation to survive harsh winter conditions.
- In case you didn’t know, the humpback whale is a species known for sleeping in a vertical position.
- Male whales are called “bulls,” females are called “cows,” and whale offspring are called “calves.”
