Wacky Facts About Whales.

If you love these marine mammals, then you’ll love these most interesting facts about whales, from their sizes to breeding habits.

Whales are a common name for marine mammals.

The term ‘whale’ often excludes dolphins and porpoises.

Toothed whales have small teeth, which are primarily used for hunting. Examples of these whales include beluga, orca (also known as the ‘killer’), and sperm.

Filter feeders have baleens that filter plankton. Examples of these whales include blue, humpback, and minke.

Whales are part of the ‘cetacea’ family as they have fins, flukes, and blowholes.

The largest whale in the world was the blue whale at 30 meters and over 180 tonnes, whereas the smallest was the pygmy sperm whale at 3.5m.

Whales have been hunted for their meat, bones, and for medicinal purposes.

Due to the practice of whaling, most species are now endangered.

The hippopotamus is the whale’s closest living relative.

Whales are descended from the Artiodactyl species of dinosaurs, which were land dwellers.

They are warm-blooded creatures.

Their blubber stores energy and insulates the body, keeping them alive through harsh winters.