Question 1

What are whales?

Accepted Answer

Whales are big animals that live in the ocean. They are actually mammals, just like humans, which means they breathe air and are warm-blooded!

Question 2

How big can whales get?

Accepted Answer

Some whales can get as big as a school bus! The blue whale, which is the largest whale, can be up to 100 feet long.

Question 3

What do whales eat?

Accepted Answer

Most whales eat small fish or tiny animals called krill. They have big mouths to scoop up lots of water and food.

Question 4

Do whales live in groups?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many whales live in groups called pods. This helps them protect each other and find food together.

Question 5

How do whales breathe?

Accepted Answer

Whales come to the surface and breathe through a blowhole on top of their heads, like a big nose!

Question 6

What is a whale's blubber?

Accepted Answer

Blubber is a thick layer of fat under the whale’s skin. It keeps them warm in the cold ocean.

Question 7

Why do whales make sounds?

Accepted Answer

Whales make sounds to talk to each other. They use clicks, whistles, and songs to communicate.

Question 8

Can all whales jump out of the water?

Accepted Answer

Not all whales can, but some like humpback whales can jump and splash down with a big splash!

Question 9

How do whales sleep?

Accepted Answer

Whales sleep by resting just one part of their brain at a time. This way, they can keep swimming and breathing while they nap.

Question 10

What is the difference between a whale and a dolphin?

Accepted Answer

Dolphins are actually a type of small whale. They are usually playful and have a curved dorsal fin.

Question 11

How long do whales live?

Accepted Answer

Some whales can live for over 50 years, and some, like bowhead whales, can live more than 200 years!

Question 12

Why are some whales endangered?

Accepted Answer

Some whales are endangered because of hunting, getting caught in fishing nets, and ocean pollution.

Question 13

How do scientists study whales?

Accepted Answer

Scientists study whales by observing them in the ocean, listening to their sounds, and sometimes tagging them with harmless trackers.

Question 14

Why is whale conservation important?

Accepted Answer

Whale conservation is important because whales play a big role in keeping the ocean healthy. Saving whales also helps many other ocean animals.

Question 15

Why do whales migrate?

Accepted Answer

Whales migrate to find food and have their babies in warmer waters. They travel long distances from cold to warm seas.

Question 16

What is a calf?

Accepted Answer

A calf is a baby whale. When they are born, calves stay close to their mothers for protection.

Question 17

What is special about the blue whale?

Accepted Answer

The blue whale is the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth. It is also one of the loudest, using sound to communicate over long distances.

Question 18

How do whales help the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Whales help the ocean by keeping the food chain balanced and their poop helps spread nutrients in the water, which feeds tiny plants called plankton.

Question 19

What can we do to help save whales?

Accepted Answer

We can help save whales by reducing plastic use, supporting clean oceans, and learning more about them so we can protect them better.

Question 20

Do whales have teeth?

Accepted Answer

Some whales, like the sperm whale, have teeth, but others, like blue whales, have baleen instead. Baleen helps them filter small food from the water.

The World of Whales: Biology, Behavior, and Conservation - 20 FAQs Explained Simply