The classic whale family structure has been a subject of much study and interest on the part of marine biologists and just plain people who have come to appreciate these magnificent mammals for their beauty and presence in the world ocean. There are three distinct parts of the family when it comes to how whales organize themselves; the bull, the cow and calf.
Whales are extremely intelligent and sublime animals that place a great deal of value on the family and be integral part each member plays within the family itself. For the most part, whale family's travel together in what are called "pods." As a key cog in each pod, each individual family member contributes to the harmonious whole.
This complexity and organization helps to demonstrate how sociable and filled with responsibility whales seem to be when it comes to not only themselves but also every member of their extended pod family. As a specific species, whales are one of the few that are capable of demonstrating insight -- humans are another -- which can be surprising to some people.
In the pod, whales tend to organize themselves by age and sex. Cows and their calves usually make up the majority of the pod, which can number up to 30 members, all protected and managed by a male dominant bull. Cows within a pod that do not their own calves will also act as midwives to other cows that are nursing or preparing to give birth.
Cows will also act as babysitters when the mother of the calf is off somewhere else, perhaps hunting or feeding. Calves tend to remain with their mothers for up to six years, with most staying by her side for at least three. Some whale species, however, feature a mother-calf pairing that can last for much longer than that.
Whale family structure is very intricate and socially involved, with a male dominant bull acting as guardian and protector of the pod of cows and calves. Other male whales within the pod will usually travel separately or slightly apart from the main pod. What is for sure is that the whale as a species has developed a way of life that is extremely interesting.
Whales are extremely intelligent and sublime animals that place a great deal of value on the family and be integral part each member plays within the family itself. For the most part, whale family's travel together in what are called "pods." As a key cog in each pod, each individual family member contributes to the harmonious whole.
This complexity and organization helps to demonstrate how sociable and filled with responsibility whales seem to be when it comes to not only themselves but also every member of their extended pod family. As a specific species, whales are one of the few that are capable of demonstrating insight -- humans are another -- which can be surprising to some people.
In the pod, whales tend to organize themselves by age and sex. Cows and their calves usually make up the majority of the pod, which can number up to 30 members, all protected and managed by a male dominant bull. Cows within a pod that do not their own calves will also act as midwives to other cows that are nursing or preparing to give birth.
Cows will also act as babysitters when the mother of the calf is off somewhere else, perhaps hunting or feeding. Calves tend to remain with their mothers for up to six years, with most staying by her side for at least three. Some whale species, however, feature a mother-calf pairing that can last for much longer than that.
Whale family structure is very intricate and socially involved, with a male dominant bull acting as guardian and protector of the pod of cows and calves. Other male whales within the pod will usually travel separately or slightly apart from the main pod. What is for sure is that the whale as a species has developed a way of life that is extremely interesting.
About the Author:
The whales family structure has long fascinated Frankie White while studying whales along the East Coast of South Africa.
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