Portal:Cetaceans
Cetaceans evolved from land mammals that adapted to marine life about 50 million years ago. Over a period of a few millions of years during the Eocene, the cetaceans returned to the sea. Their body is fusiform (spindle-shaped), the forelimbs are modified into flippers, the tiny hindlimbs are vestigial and the tail has horizontal flukes. Cetaceans are nearly hairless, and are insulated by a thick layer of blubber.
Cetaceans inhabit all of the world's oceans, as well as some rivers in South America and Asia. Some species can be found across the globe.
Cetology is the branch of marine science associated with the study of cetaceans.
The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a mammal which belongs to the baleen whale suborder. It is a large whale: an adult usually ranges between 12–16 m (40–50 ft) long and weighs approximately 36,000 kg (79,000 pounds), or 36 tonnes (40 short tons); females, on average, are larger than males. It is well known for its breaching (leaping out of the water), its unusually long front fins, and its complex whale song. The Humpback Whale lives in oceans and seas around the world, and is regularly sought out by whale-watchers. The Humpback Whale is found in all the major oceans, in a wide band running from the Antarctic ice edge to 65° N latitude. It is a migratory species, spending its summers in cooler, high-latitude waters, but mating and calving in tropical and sub-tropical waters.
More on the Humpback Whale
2014
January
The clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene) became the first confirmed naturally occurring hybrid marine mammal species when DNA analysis showed it to be descended from the spinner dolphin and the striped dolphin. [1]
2009
February
- 10 February - Filipino fishermen have rescued around 200 melon-headed whales which were stranded in shallow waters off the coast of Bataan. Only three dolphins were reported to have died. more
January
- 24 January - The Cove, a feature-length film documenting the killing of dolphins in Taiji, Wakayama, wins the U.S. Audience Award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. more
- 22 January - A group of nearly 50 Sperm Whales beached on the northwest coast of the island of Tasmania in Australia. Only five were still alive by Friday afternoon. more
2008
September
- 23 September - Speculation is raised over whether an object washed up near Wellington, New Zealand could be ambergris; City Council spokesman Richard MacLean says this is unlikely. Read more...
- 17 September - A man in Trefriw, Wales pleads guilty to the uncertified selling of a Harbour Porpoise skull on eBay. Read more...
- 10 September - Australia and New Zealand announce a non-lethal whale research program to challenge Japan's whaling. Read more...
August
- 26 August - Findings from the controversial Japanese whaling research program suggest that a loss of Antarctic sea ice due to increased temperatures has lowered whales' food supply, causing an overall decline in blubber. Read more...
- 12 August - IUCN changes the conservation status of the Humpback Whale and Southern Right Whale to "least concern" due to the species' recovery. Read more...
- 1 August - Snubfin Dolphins are recorded on camera for the first time along the Australian coastline. Read more...
- ...the songs of whales were sent into space aboard the Voyager spacecraft to represent sounds from Planet Earth.
- ...the Beluga whale is also known as the Sea Canary on account of its high-pitched squeaks, squeals, and whistles.
- ...Orcas are versatile predators with many populations actively hunting down whales such as the Grey Whale.
- ...the Sperm Whale, at 18 metres long, is the largest toothed animal to have ever lived.
- ...in spite of their enormous mass, baleen whales are capable of leaping completely out of the water, particularly the Humpback Whale.
Subcategories of Cetaceans:
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Dolphins have a streamlined fusiform body, adapted for fast swimming. The tail fin, called the fluke, is used for propulsion, while the pectoral fins together with the entire tail section provide directional control. The dorsal fin, in those species that have one, provides stability while swimming.
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