Summary
Marine mammals called cetaceans that breathe air and communicate using sound.
In depth
Baleen whales filter krill; toothed whales hunt with echolocation. Adaptations: blubber, streamlined bodies, and diving physiology with myoglobin-rich muscle. Social structures include matrilineal pods in orcas.
Marine mammals have adaptations for diving: collapsible lungs, high myoglobin and bradycardia. Whaling reduced populations, and moratoria allowed some recovery.
Key idea: cetaceans evolved from land mammals related to hippos.
Frequently asked questions
What is Whales and Dolphins?
Marine mammals called cetaceans that breathe air and communicate using sound.
Which area of biology covers Whales and Dolphins, and how advanced is it?
Whales and Dolphins is one of the 54 topics in Marine & Environmental Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Marine Genomics, Plankton, Sharks and Rays.
Can you give an example of Whales and Dolphins?
Blue whales are the largest animals known, up to 30 m long.
What should I learn before Whales and Dolphins?
Whales and Dolphins is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Marine & Environmental Biology that pair well with it include Oceans, Ocean Zones, Plankton.
What topics are related to Whales and Dolphins?
The closest topics to Whales and Dolphins are Marine Genomics, Plankton, Sharks and Rays, Deep-Sea Life. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Whales and Dolphins?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Whales and Dolphins. To practise the whole of Marine & Environmental Biology, use the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz.
How is Whales and Dolphins different from Marine Genomics?
Whales and Dolphins: Marine mammals called cetaceans that breathe air and communicate using sound. Marine Genomics: Genome sequencing reveals adaptation to salinity, pressure and temperature in marine species. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Whales and Dolphins step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Marine Genomics and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.