Whales

Whales are large marine mammals belonging to the order Cetacea, which also includes dolphins and porpoises. They are characterized by their streamlined bodies, two forelimbs evolved into flippers, a tail fluke, and a blowhole on top of their heads for breathing. Whales are divided into two main groups: baleen whales (Mysticeti), which filter-feed using baleen plates to consume small organisms like krill and plankton, and toothed whales (Odontoceti), which have teeth and include species such as sperm whales and orcas. Whales are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and complex vocalizations, often referred to as songs. They inhabit all of the world's oceans, from polar to tropical regions, and play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Whales are also significant for their cultural and economic importance, as they are often the subject of conservation efforts due to threats from whaling, habitat loss, and climate change.