Instructions
Explore the fascinating world of whales with these activities. Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. An answer key is provided at the end to check your work.
Activity 1: Whale Facts - True or False?
Read the following statements and circle whether they are True or False.
- The Blue Whale is the largest animal known to have ever existed on Earth, even larger than the biggest dinosaurs. True / False
- Whales are fish because they live in the water. True / False
- Killer Whales, or Orcas, are technically the largest species of dolphin. True / False
- When whales sleep, they shut down their entire brain, just like humans do. True / False
- Baleen plates, used by some whales for feeding, are made of the same material as human fingernails and hair (keratin). True / False
- The Narwhal's famous "tusk" is actually an elongated canine tooth. True / False
Activity 2: Match the Terminology
Match the whale-related term on the left with its correct definition on the right. Write the corresponding letter in the blank space.
|
1. ___ Fluke 2. ___ Pod 3. ___ Breaching 4. ___ Blowhole 5. ___ Krill 6. ___ Mysticeti |
A. The act of a whale leaping out of the water and crashing back down. B. The scientific suborder for baleen whales. C. The nostril located on the top of a whale's head for breathing. D. A social group or family of whales. E. Either of the two lobes of a whale's tail. F. Tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans that form a major part of the diet for many large whales. |
Activity 3: Baleen or Toothed?
Whales are divided into two main groups: baleen whales (Mysticeti), which filter-feed, and toothed whales (Odontoceti), which hunt prey. Categorize the following whales by writing their names under the correct heading.
Humpback Whale | Sperm Whale | Beluga Whale | Gray Whale | Orca | Fin Whale
| Baleen Whales (Mysticeti) | Toothed Whales (Odontoceti) |
|---|---|
|
|
|
Activity 4: A Deeper Dive - Conservation
The complex songs of the Humpback Whale are a form of communication, but this can be disrupted by human-generated noise in the ocean (anthrophony), such as from shipping and seismic surveys. Briefly explain two potential negative impacts of this noise pollution on whale populations.
Answer Key
Activity 1: Whale Facts - True or False?
- True. The Blue Whale can reach up to 98 feet long, far surpassing any known dinosaur.
- False. Whales are air-breathing mammals that give live birth and nurse their young with milk.
- True. Orcas belong to the oceanic dolphin family, Delphinidae.
- False. Whales practice unihemispheric slow-wave sleep, meaning they rest one half of their brain at a time to remain conscious enough to breathe and be aware of dangers.
- True. Baleen is composed of keratin, a fibrous structural protein.
- True. The Narwhal's tusk is a canine tooth that can grow up to 10 feet long, primarily in males.
Activity 2: Match the Terminology
- E. Fluke
- D. Pod
- A. Breaching
- C. Blowhole
- F. Krill
- B. Mysticeti
Activity 3: Baleen or Toothed?
| Baleen Whales (Mysticeti) | Toothed Whales (Odontoceti) |
|---|---|
|
Humpback Whale Gray Whale Fin Whale |
Sperm Whale Beluga Whale Orca |
Activity 4: A Deeper Dive - Conservation
(Answers will vary, but should include points similar to the following):
Potential negative impacts of ocean noise pollution include:
- Communication Disruption: Noise can mask the sounds whales use to communicate over long distances, hindering their ability to find mates, coordinate group activities, or warn others of danger.
- Navigation and Foraging Impairment: Many whales use echolocation or passive listening to navigate and find food. Excessive noise can interfere with these senses, making it harder for them to hunt effectively or avoid obstacles.
- Physiological Stress and Behavioral Changes: Constant noise can increase stress hormones in whales, potentially leading to long-term health issues and reduced reproductive success. It can also cause them to abandon important feeding or breeding habitats in search of quieter waters.
- Physical Injury: Extremely loud noises, such as those from seismic air guns or naval sonar, can cause direct physical harm, including temporary or permanent hearing loss and, in severe cases, tissue damage or stranding events.