Whale
Whale
Whale (/weɪl/), from the Old English hwæl, is a common name for a diverse group of marine mammals known for their size, intelligence, and complex social structures.
Etymology
The term "whale" is derived from the Old English hwæl, which is thought to be from the Proto-Germanic *hwalaz. The word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch walvis and German Wal.
Classification
Whales belong to the order Cetacea, which also includes dolphins and porpoises. They are further divided into two suborders: the baleen whales (Mysticeti), which filter feed using baleen plates, and the toothed whales (Odontoceti), which include species such as the sperm whale and the killer whale.
Anatomy
Whales have a streamlined body adapted for aquatic life, with a horizontal tail fin, or fluke, used for propulsion. The forelimbs, or flippers, are used for steering. They have a thick layer of blubber for insulation against the cold ocean temperatures.
Behavior
Whales are known for their complex social behavior, with many species living in pods. They communicate using a variety of sounds, including clicks, whistles, and songs. Some species, like the humpback whale, are known for their elaborate songs.
Conservation
Many whale species have been threatened by human activities, including hunting, pollution, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
Related Terms
- Cetacean: A member of the order Cetacea, which includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
- Baleen: A system of filter-feeding plates found in the mouths of baleen whales.
- Blubber: A thick layer of fat found under the skin of whales and other marine mammals.
- Fluke: The tail fin of a whale or other cetacean.
- Pod: A group of whales or other cetaceans.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Whale
- Wikipedia's article - Whale
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski