ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:2
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin is a very gregarious animal. It is fond of breaching (thrusting its body clear out of the water) and has been known to make complete somersaults in mid-air. This dolphin can also be seen surfing on ocean waves and bow-riding (riding the waves created by boats).
ò The body of this dolphin is black, the sides are gray and the belly white. There are also black variable patches on the side and the white belly is divided by a black line. Its appearance is very similar to the dusky dolphin.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins are fast, powerful swimmers that sometimes produce a water spray known as a "rooster's tail."
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin can be found in waters from southeastern Alaska down to Baja California. They may move in closer to the California shore during winter and spring, then move farther out to sea in summer and fall. Although this dolphin prefers cooler water, this movement is probably related to the availability of food.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin sometimes swims just below the surface of the water with only its dorsal fin showing.
ò The diet of the Pacific white-sided dolphin consists primarily of squid and small fish.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins swim in large groups when traveling or resting but may split into smaller groups for feeding. Groups of up to several thousand individuals have been reported.
No:4
\HHumpback whales\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:6
\HBeluga whale\I(Delphinapterus leucas)\i\h
ò The beluga whale, also known as the white whale, is found primarily in the shallow bays and river mouths of the Arctic. Beluga whales cluster in groups or "pods" of up to 200 whales during migration, and feed on small fish, crabs, and shrimp.
ò The light-colored beluga whale, although very distinctive, can be difficult to spot among ice floes or whitecaps. The animals are dark gray at birth and gradually lighten until they turn pure white at 5-10 years of age when they reach sexual maturity.
ò The beluga is a highly vocal whale and has a repertoire of sounds that can be heard both above and below the surface of the water. Some of the vocalizations include trills, moos, clicks, twitters, and squeaks. Because of these sounds, which are commonly used for communication and echolocation, the beluga is sometimes referred to as a "sea canary."
ò The beluga whale has a dorsal ridge in place of a fin. The absence of a fin is thought to be an adaptation to Arctic waters and allows the whale to swim under ice floes.
ò The beluga whale is a slow swimmer and spends most of its time at or near the surface of the water. They feed primarily on fish, squid, and crabs.
ò Belugas often bear the scars of polar bear attacks and they are also preyed upon by killer whales.
ò Belugas have a flexible neck which allows them to look around as they lift their heads out of the water in a behavior called "spyhopping."
ò Many of the waterways the beluga inhabits are extremely polluted, and as a result these whales carry high levels of toxins in their bodies.
No:7
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
No:8
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:10
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
No:11
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin is a very gregarious animal. It is fond of breaching (thrusting its body clear out of the water) and has been known to make complete somersaults in mid-air. This dolphin can also be seen surfing on ocean waves and bow-riding (riding the waves created by boats).
ò The body of this dolphin is black, the sides are gray and the belly white. There are also black variable patches on the side and the white belly is divided by a black line. Its appearance is very similar to the dusky dolphin.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins are fast, powerful swimmers that sometimes produce a water spray known as a "rooster's tail."
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin can be found in waters from southeastern Alaska down to Baja California. They may move in closer to the California shore during winter and spring, then move farther out to sea in summer and fall. Although this dolphin prefers cooler water, this movement is probably related to the availability of food.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin sometimes swims just below the surface of the water with only its dorsal fin showing.
ò The diet of the Pacific white-sided dolphin consists primarily of squid and small fish.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins swim in large groups when traveling or resting but may split into smaller groups for feeding. Groups of up to several thousand individuals have been reported.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:14
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
No:15
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin is a very gregarious animal. It is fond of breaching (thrusting its body clear out of the water) and has been known to make complete somersaults in mid-air. This dolphin can also be seen surfing on ocean waves and bow-riding (riding the waves created by boats).
ò The body of this dolphin is black, the sides are gray and the belly white. There are also black variable patches on the side and the white belly is divided by a black line. Its appearance is very similar to the dusky dolphin.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins are fast, powerful swimmers that sometimes produce a water spray known as a "rooster's tail."
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin can be found in waters from southeastern Alaska down to Baja California. They may move in closer to the California shore during winter and spring, then move farther out to sea in summer and fall. Although this dolphin prefers cooler water, this movement is probably related to the availability of food.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin sometimes swims just below the surface of the water with only its dorsal fin showing.
ò The diet of the Pacific white-sided dolphin consists primarily of squid and small fish.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins swim in large groups when traveling or resting but may split into smaller groups for feeding. Groups of up to several thousand individuals have been reported.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:18
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
No:19
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
No:20
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:22
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
No:23
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:25
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
No:26
\HOrcas or Killer whales\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
No:27
\HPilot whales\I(Globicephala melas)\i\h
ò There are two species of pilot whale: the long-finned pilot whale and the short-finned pilot whale. The differences between the two are subtle and the casual observer probably cannot tell them apart. The long-finned pilot whale is generally found in colder waters.
ò The pilot whale is usually coal black or dark gray with a noticeably rounded forehead and long slender fins that sweep backwards. They prefer to swim in deep water although they will migrate inshore to feed on squid.
ò Pilot whales were named in the early 1800s by fisherman who believed that they could be used to guide fishing boats, since they seemed to congregate near herring shoals.
ò Traveling in large groups, pilot whales are often associated with mass strandings. The reason for these strandings is not known, however it speculated that if an unhealthy group member is stranded, the remaining whales will follow it to shore.
ò Pilot whales feed mainly at night. During the day they are usually resting and socializing, and remain near the water's surface.
ò A newborn pilot whale is about 6 feet long while an adult will reach lengths of up to 20 feet.
ò Pilot whales belong to a group of whales known as blackfish. Blackfish are small toothed whales that are more closely related to dolphins, although their appearance is quite different.
ò The forceful blow of the pilot whale is audible and can extend up to 40 inches.
ò Pilot whale were once heavily hunted, but today they are still fairly abundant.
No:28
\HHumpback whales\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
ò The Pantropical spotted dolphin can usually be found in the tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans as well as in adjoining seas. Two types of these dolphins are generally recognized, one the lives inshore and another that keeps to deeper offshore waters.
ò The back of the Pantropical spotted dolphin is metallic blue while the flippers, flukes, and fins are black. The sides and underbelly are gray and mottled with white and gray spots that give this dolphin its common name. The beak is black and has a spot of white at the tip.
ò This spotted dolphin subsists on a diet of squid and small fish and it is thought that they feed close to the water's surface.
ò Adult Pantropical spotted dolphins can reach weights of up to 250 pounds and grow to be 8 feet in length.
ò Most of the Pantropical spotted dolphins swim in groups of 5-30 individuals although much larger groups have been recorded.
ò The spotted dolphin has a slender, streamlined body that helps make it a fast swimmer. This dolphin also makes use of long, shallow leaps to create speed in the water. These leaps allow them to breathe without having to swim along the surface of the water.
ò Schools of these dolphins can actually be spotted from a distance because of the froth stirred up by their energetic activity. Most dolphins can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.
No:30
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
No:31
\HBeluga whale\I(Delphinapterus leucas)\i\h
ò The beluga whale, also known as the white whale, is found primarily in the shallow bays and river mouths of the Arctic. Beluga whales cluster in groups or "pods" of up to 200 whales during migration, and feed on small fish, crabs, and shrimp.
ò The light-colored beluga whale, although very distinctive, can be difficult to spot among ice floes or whitecaps. The animals are dark gray at birth and gradually lighten until they turn pure white at 5-10 years of age when they reach sexual maturity.
ò The beluga is a highly vocal whale and has a repertoire of sounds that can be heard both above and below the surface of the water. Some of the vocalizations include trills, moos, clicks, twitters, and squeaks. Because of these sounds, which are commonly used for communication and echolocation, the beluga is sometimes referred to as a "sea canary."
ò The beluga whale has a dorsal ridge in place of a fin. The absence of a fin is thought to be an adaptation to Arctic waters and allows the whale to swim under ice floes.
ò The beluga whale is a slow swimmer and spends most of its time at or near the surface of the water. They feed primarily on fish, squid, and crabs.
ò Belugas often bear the scars of polar bear attacks and they are also preyed upon by killer whales.
ò Belugas have a flexible neck which allows them to look around as they lift their heads out of the water in a behavior called "spyhopping."
ò Many of the waterways the beluga inhabits are extremely polluted, and as a result these whales carry high levels of toxins in their bodies.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:33
\HHumpback whales\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
No:34
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
No:35
\HGray whale\I(Eschrichtius robustus)\i\h
ò The gray whale belongs to the family eschrichtiidae, which contains only one species, Eschrichtius robustus, which is found only in the northern hemisphere.
ò Gray whales spend the winter months in the warm waters near Baja California, which serve as a nursery for their new born calves. When spring arrives they migrate 12,000 miles north to feed on enormous quantities of plankton, crustaceans, and small fish found in the waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas.
ò Gray whale calves are born tail first, usually in the breeding lagoons in Baja. They average 15 feet in length and weigh approximately 1500 pounds. A baby gray whale drinks 50 gallons of mother's milk a day and is usually weaned at 7 months. During the first year a calf can gain up to 70 pounds a day.
ò Gray whales are one of many whale species often seen leaping clear out of the water in a behavior called "breaching." Although the reason for this behavior is still somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a form of communication, a way to dislodge parasites, or simply for enjoyment.
ò Spyhopping, the practice of lifting the head vertically out of the water, has been commonly observed in gray whales, leading scientists to speculate that whales may rely on visual orientation during migration.
ò The gray whale is a baleen whale and is generally a bottom-feeder. To eat, gray whales plow the right side of their heads sideways through the silt to stir up food. The food is then filtered through the baleen and water and silt is expelled.
ò The gray whale is mottled due to external parasites, such as lice, and barnacles that encrust the head, back, and tail. Some of the mottled effect also comes from natural pigmentation.
ò An adult gray whale weighs from 15-35 tons and can reach 35-50 feet in length. They reach full physical maturity at 40 years of age and may live as long as 60-70 years.
ò Because the gray whale swims closer to shore than other aquatic mammals, it is one of the most observed and admired whales.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin is a very gregarious animal. It is fond of breaching (thrusting its body clear out of the water) and has been known to make complete somersaults in mid-air. This dolphin can also be seen surfing on ocean waves and bow-riding (riding the waves created by boats).
ò The body of this dolphin is black, the sides are gray and the belly white. There are also black variable patches on the side and the white belly is divided by a black line. Its appearance is very similar to the dusky dolphin.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins are fast, powerful swimmers that sometimes produce a water spray known as a "rooster's tail."
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin can be found in waters from southeastern Alaska down to Baja California. They may move in closer to the California shore during winter and spring, then move farther out to sea in summer and fall. Although this dolphin prefers cooler water, this movement is probably related to the availability of food.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin sometimes swims just below the surface of the water with only its dorsal fin showing.
ò The diet of the Pacific white-sided dolphin consists primarily of squid and small fish.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins swim in large groups when traveling or resting but may split into smaller groups for feeding. Groups of up to several thousand individuals have been reported.
No:38
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
No:39
\HOrcas or Killer whales\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:41
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
No:42
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:44
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin is a very gregarious animal. It is fond of breaching (thrusting its body clear out of the water) and has been known to make complete somersaults in mid-air. This dolphin can also be seen surfing on ocean waves and bow-riding (riding the waves created by boats).
ò The body of this dolphin is black, the sides are gray and the belly white. There are also black variable patches on the side and the white belly is divided by a black line. Its appearance is very similar to the dusky dolphin.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins are fast, powerful swimmers that sometimes produce a water spray known as a "rooster's tail."
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin can be found in waters from southeastern Alaska down to Baja California. They may move in closer to the California shore during winter and spring, then move farther out to sea in summer and fall. Although this dolphin prefers cooler water, this movement is probably related to the availability of food.
ò The Pacific white-sided dolphin sometimes swims just below the surface of the water with only its dorsal fin showing.
ò The diet of the Pacific white-sided dolphin consists primarily of squid and small fish.
ò Pacific white-sided dolphins swim in large groups when traveling or resting but may split into smaller groups for feeding. Groups of up to several thousand individuals have been reported.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:47
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
No:48
\HOrca or Killer Whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:50
\HHumpback whales\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
ò Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are known collectively as cetaceans. All cetaceans are mammals, which means they are warm-blooded and can keep their body temperature consistent despite exposure to different environments. A dolphin is generally distinguished from a porpoise by its long snout that is flattened like a bird's beak. The snout of a porpoise is short and blunt.
ò Dolphins can live as long as 20 years.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin, also known as the bridled dolphin, is found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas.
ò There appear to be two types of Atlantic spotted dolphin. One lives inshore and is somewhat larger and more spotted than its offshore counterpart. The inshore dolphin has a wider beak and bigger teeth which may be for hunting larger prey.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin has a dark gray or black back which shades gradually to a gray or white belly. Each eye is rimmed with a black line that meets in the middle of the forehead. Each dolphin is uniquely colored with no two exactly alike. Older animals have more spots, a characteristic scientists now use to determine age.
ò Born without spots, the spotted dolphin's distinctive markings start to develop at one year and gradually increase as it matures.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins usually travel in groups or "pods" of 10-20 individuals, but occasionally large groups of 100 are formed.
ò Atlantic spotted dolphins consume a diet of squid and fish.
ò Newborn spotted dolphins are usually 3 to 4 feet long, and reach a length of 5 to 7 1/2 feet as adults. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds.
ò The Atlantic spotted dolphin is very gregarious, especially when feeding. It frequently breaches, thrusting itself into the air before splashing back into the water.
No:52
\HOrca or Killer whale\I(Orcinus orca)\i\h
ò The orca, or killer whale, is the largest member of the dolphin family and is easily identified by its distinctive black and white colors.
ò The adult male has a notable dorsal fin which can reach over 61/2 feet high, more than twice the size of the adult female's dorsal fin. Individual whales are often identified using the distinctive light gray pattern located behind this fin, known as the "saddle patch."
ò One of the top predators of the sea, the orca feeds on fish, small marine mammals, and even some slower moving large whales. Their reputation for ferocious hunting techniques has resulted in them being called "killer whales," however, there are no known accounts of attacks on humans.
ò Orcas can be found in all the world's oceans, although they are most frequently found in the cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
ò Congregating in groups of 10 to 15, orcas do not usually travel great distances except for seasonal migrations where they follow movements of the polar ice edge. Occasionally, groups or "pods" join together to form "superpods" of as many as 150 whales.
ò In a behavior known as "spyhopping," orcas and other whales occasionally raise their heads above the water's surface, presumably to gain a better look at their surroundings.
ò Studies in the Pacific Northwest have defined two distinct "races" of orca, "transients" and "residents." Transients live in small groups or pods, travel great distances and feed on marine mammals, while residents live in larger pods, roam smaller areas and feed mainly on fish.
ò Orcas can swim at speeds of up to 34 mile per hour.
No:53
\HHumpback whale\I(Megaptera novaeangliae)\i\h
ò The humpback is a rorqual whale. The word "rorqual" is from the Norwegian word meaning "furrow," and refers to the multiple ventral grooves or pleats on the animal's throat. These furrows allow the throat to expand while the whale is feeding.
ò Humpback whales are baleen whales, named after a series of thin plates called baleen or whalebone, that hang down from their upper jaw. The fibers on the jaws' inner edges aid in filtering the water for food, mostly plankton and krill (a tiny shrimp-like animal).
ò Humpback whales have developed an unusual technique for feeding called "bubble-netting." Swimming beneath a shoal of fish or krill, they blow air from their blowholes that forms a kind of net and traps their prey. The whale then swims through the "net" with its mouth open, taking in the entire shoal in one enormous gulp.
ò Found in all oceans of the world, the humpback whale has extremely large pectoral fins, which can grow to be one-third of its body length. The upper side of the fin is usually black, while the underside is white.
ò Adult humpbacks can reach lengths of 50 feet and can weigh up to 30 tons.
ò Humpback whales have distinctive tail flukes that have a scalloped trailing edge. Because the black and white pigmentation on the underside of the humpbacks' flukes is unique to each animal, scientists have been able to distinguish between thousands of individuals throughout the world.
ò Among the most acrobatic of all whales, humpback whales are often seen leaping or "breaching" clear of the water. Although this behavior remains somewhat of a mystery, breaching may be a way to communicate, disturb shoals of fish, or dislodge irritating parasites.
ò Humpback whales are known for the acoustical variety of their fascinating songs, created using a combination of squeaks, grunts, moans, and hums in a repeated sequence. Lasting up to 30 minutes, these songs are produced by lone males in warm water regions where breeding takes place.
ò Humpback whales migrate every summer to polar seas to feed and then return to tropical waters in the winter months to breed. While breeding, humpbacks feed very little, relying upon blubber reserves that can last up to one year.
ò First listed on the Endangered Species List in 1970, humpback whale populations worldwide are estimated at fewer than 20,000.
