Ceataceans- contd.

Kinds of Whales
Whales are two kinds:
1. Toothed Whales, and
2. Baleen Whales

A)Toothed Whales (sub-order Odontoceti)
1. Short-finned Pilot Whale
2. False Killer Whale
3. Killer Whale
4. Beluga
5. Narwhal
6. Northern Bottlenose whale
7. Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
8. Strap-toothed Whale
9. Soerby’s Beaked Whale
10. Dwarf Sperm Whale
11. Sperm Whale

B) Baleen Whales (sub-order Mysticeti)
1. Bow-head (having longest baleen plates)
2. Northern Right Whale
3. Gray Whale (yelow baleen)
4. Fin Whale
5. Blue Whale (black baleen)
6. Minke Whale
7. Humpback Whale

Note: Baleen means the whale bone. The baleen whales lack teeth. Instead of teeth, there is a row of baleen plates on either side of the upper jaw. Baleen is not a true bone but a springy material, similar to cartilage. These curtains of baleen plates, densely fringed with fine bristles, are used to sieve small food items from sea water. The lower jaw is used only for closing the mouth.

Sperm Whale images:

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