Question 1

What are whales?

Accepted Answer

Whales are large animals that live in the ocean. They are mammals, just like humans, which means they breathe air and give live birth to their babies.

Question 2

How big can whales get?

Accepted Answer

Some whales, like the blue whale, can be as long as 100 feet, which is longer than three school buses! This makes them the biggest animals on Earth.

Question 3

What do whales eat?

Accepted Answer

Different kinds of whales eat different things. Some eat tiny shrimp-like animals called krill, while others eat fish or even small squid.

Question 4

How do whales breathe?

Accepted Answer

Whales breathe through a blowhole on the top of their head. They come to the surface of the water to take a breath of air.

Question 5

Do whales sleep?

Accepted Answer

Yes, whales do sleep, but they don't sleep like we do. They rest one half of their brain at a time so they can keep coming up to breathe.

Question 6

Why do whales sing?

Accepted Answer

Whales sing to communicate with each other. The songs are like messages they send to find mates, search for food, or make friends.

Question 7

Are whales endangered?

Accepted Answer

Some types of whales are endangered, which means there aren't many left. Efforts are being made to protect them and help their numbers grow again.

Question 8

How long do whales live?

Accepted Answer

Many whales can live a long time, some as long as humans or even more. Bowhead whales can live over 100 years!

Question 9

Can whales see well underwater?

Accepted Answer

Whales can see underwater, but they mostly rely on their hearing. They use sounds to 'see' their environment, a bit like sonar.

Question 10

Do whales have teeth?

Accepted Answer

Some whales, like sperm whales, have teeth. Others, like blue whales, have baleen, which are like giant combs that help them filter tiny food from the water.

Question 11

Why do whales jump out of the water?

Accepted Answer

Whales jump, or breach, for fun, to show strength, or communicate. It can also help them remove parasites from their skin.

Question 12

Do whales live in groups?

Accepted Answer

Many whales live in groups called pods. Living in pods helps them protect each other and find food.

Question 13

Can whales hear well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, whales have excellent hearing. They can hear sounds from far away, which helps them communicate and navigate.

Question 14

What are baby whales called?

Accepted Answer

Baby whales are called calves. A mother whale takes very good care of her calf, keeping it safe and feeding it.

Question 15

How do whales keep warm in cold water?

Accepted Answer

Whales have a thick layer of fat called blubber. Blubber helps keep their bodies warm even in freezing waters.

Question 16

How many types of whales are there?

Accepted Answer

There are about 90 different types of whales, divided into two groups: toothed whales and baleen whales.

Question 17

Do whales have hair?

Accepted Answer

Yes, whales do have hair, but they don't have much. When they're born, baby whales have a few whiskers called baleen that help them sense their surroundings.

Question 18

How do whales find food?

Accepted Answer

Whales use their senses and teamwork to find food. Some use sound waves to locate prey, while others work together to trap fish in bubbles.

Question 19

What is a whale's tail called?

Accepted Answer

A whale's tail is called a fluke. The fluke is powerful and helps the whale swim fast and jump high.

Question 20

Can whales talk?

Accepted Answer

Whales can't talk like people, but they make lots of different sounds. These sounds help them communicate with each other.

The Biology of Whales - 20 FAQs Explained Simply