Whale Facts and Evolution

Whales are the largest animals ever, surpassing even dinosaurs. They evolved from land-dwelling creatures like Pakicetus, trading legs for flippers over millions of years. Initially small, whales grew larger due to an ice age that increased food availability. Modern whales, like the blue whale, are the largest they've ever been, possibly reaching a physical size limit. This transformation is detailed in Nick Pyenson's book, 'Spying on Whales.'

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as being lighter than whales?

• Wooly mammoths

• Giraffes

• Dinosaurs

• Elephants

What is the name of the first whale that lived on land?

• Pakicetus

• Ambulocetus

• Dorudon

• Basilosaurus

What did whales trade their four legs for during their evolution?

• Tails

• Fins

• Gills

• Flippers

How much more massive is a modern blue whale compared to Pakicetus?

• 20,000 times

• 1,000 times

• 10,000 times

• 5,000 times

What was the length of one of the first whales with baleen instead of teeth?

• 30 feet

• 18 feet

• 10 feet

• 25 feet

What event around three million years ago helped whales grow larger?

• Earthquake

• Ice age

• Meteor impact

• Volcanic eruptions

How far do humpback whales travel each year during their migration?

• 3,000 miles

• 5,000 miles

• 1,000 miles

• 7,000 miles

What is the weight of a blue whale compared to?

• A Boeing 777

• A Boeing 767

• A Boeing 757

• A Boeing 747

How long can it take for a blue whale to close its mouth after feeding?

• 12 seconds

• 10 seconds

• 7 seconds

• 5 seconds

What is the primary diet of the largest blue whales?

• Fish

• Plankton

• Krill

• Squid