Marine Mammals Trivia

Which seal has the nickname "horsehead" because of the long, straight slope of its profile which makes it looks horse-like?

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How can you tell the difference between a dolphin and porpoise? It essentially comes down to the shape of their face (elongated "beak" or "snout" versus no "beak" or "snout"), their fins, and their body shape. Is this a dolphin or a porpoise?

• This is a dolphin!

• This is a porpoise!

Which of these whales is one of the world's most endangered large whale species throughout its range (New England to Southeastern U.S.), is estimated to have a population size of about 450 individuals, and can be identified by the unique rough skin patches, or callosities, on its head?

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What special ability do dolphins and toothed whales use to locate food and "see" underwater?

• Echolocation

• Lateral line

• Electroreception

• Sonar

Which of these whales weighs the most?

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Pupping season is the time when seals give birth and care for their young pups. Where do harbor seals along the East Coast pup?

• New England

• Mid-Atlantic

• Southeast

• Gulf of Mexico

To feed, some whales use baleen to strain small, mostly microscopic organisms from the ocean. Baleen is strong and flexible and made of a protein called keratin, the same thing that makes up human fingernails and hair. Rows of plate-like structures made of baleen hang down from the whale's upper jaw like curtains to strain or filter ocean water for food. What do you think baleen whales eat?

• Gulls, osprey, albatross, and other seabirds

• Large fish, like swordfish, tuna, and sharks

• Hot wings and hamburgers

• Krill, small fish, copepods, and other zooplankton

Molting is a biological process where an animal routinely casts off different parts of their body. In the case of snakes and frogs, this includes skin. For other animals this includes fur, feathers, and exoskeletons, like the shell of crabs and lobsters. What do you think, do seals molt?

• Yes, they molt!

• No, they don't molt.

What is the largest animal on Earth?

• Blue Whale

• Humpback Whale

• Whale Shark

• Megalodon

What marine mammal is referred to as the "wolf of the sea"?

• Narwhal

• Manatee

• Orca

• Great White Shark