Baleen Whale Facts and Insights

Baleen whales are large marine mammals known for their size and gentle nature. They are divided into four families, with 14 recognized species. These whales inhabit diverse habitats and are filter feeders, using baleen plates to consume zooplankton and small fish. They communicate using sound, with blue whales producing the loudest sounds. Baleen whales have slow reproductive rates and face threats from human activities, despite conservation efforts. Their populations remain depleted, with some species endangered.

Which species of baleen whale is the largest?

• Gray whale

• Blue whale

• Humpback whale

• Bowhead whale

What distinguishes rorquals from other baleen whales?

• They inhabit shallow waters

• They are the smallest baleen whales

• They have horizontal throat grooves

• They have no dorsal fins

How do bowhead whales feed?

• By sucking in sediment from the bottom

• By skimming with their mouths open

• By lunging and taking in huge gulps of water

• By blowing bubbles to trap fish

What is the primary function of a whale's tail fluke?

• Communication

• Steering

• Propulsion

• Feeding

Which whale species is known for producing the longest and most complex sound sequences?

• Humpback whale

• Gray whale

• Blue whale

• Bowhead whale

How often do female baleen whales typically have a calf?

• Every 8 to 10 years

• Every year

• Every 2 to 4 years

• Every 5 to 7 years

What is the estimated lifespan of bowhead whales?

• 100 years

• 75 years

• 150 years

• 50 years

What were right whales primarily hunted for?

• Their baleen

• Their meat

• Their blubber

• Their bones

What is a significant threat to baleen whales today?

• Commercial whaling

• Natural predators

• Pollution and ocean noise

• Climate change

What percentage of the blue whale population remains compared to pre-commercial whaling times?

• 30%

• 10%

• 5%

• 20%