On a yearly basis whales are known to migrate over long distances with reference to the Baleen which migrates in groups and a group is known as a pod. They migrate from their cold feeding grounds to warmer water where they breed.
These groups of mammals have an incredible bond with each other and the strongest being between mother and calf. The baleen has been known to travel alone or they can also travel in a small group and the toothed species travel in fairly large pods and this is because they hunt together and travel together. The group also ensure safety and care when it comes to their young.
The female has a gestation period of 9 months and depending on what species it is some take as long as' months and they only give live birth to one calf. Although they migrate seasonally the cow does now give birth every year. This gigantic sea mammal produce milk for their calves to suckle and they will only breed in warm waters.
Shortly after the baby is born it will begin to swim and for a full year the mother takes care of this baby as well as feeds it for the full duration. These mothers are exceptionally protective of their babies. For many kilometres across the waters these mammals communicate with one another by means of whale song.
For instance the humpback whale song can last for half an hour and the Baleen sings low frequency songs while the toothed mammals click and whistle which are also used for echolocation. These sounds are used for attracting mates as well as being territorial and the tooth species locate prey by clicking.
Whales have defence mechanisms whereby the toothed species use their teeth to kill their prey as well as protect themselves. Most of the toothed species hunt cooperatively by catching and killing large prey such as the orcas are capable of killing a young blue whale and humpbacks use a method known as bubble net feeding which allows them to catch large amounts of small fish during a feeding.
These groups of mammals have an incredible bond with each other and the strongest being between mother and calf. The baleen has been known to travel alone or they can also travel in a small group and the toothed species travel in fairly large pods and this is because they hunt together and travel together. The group also ensure safety and care when it comes to their young.
The female has a gestation period of 9 months and depending on what species it is some take as long as' months and they only give live birth to one calf. Although they migrate seasonally the cow does now give birth every year. This gigantic sea mammal produce milk for their calves to suckle and they will only breed in warm waters.
Shortly after the baby is born it will begin to swim and for a full year the mother takes care of this baby as well as feeds it for the full duration. These mothers are exceptionally protective of their babies. For many kilometres across the waters these mammals communicate with one another by means of whale song.
For instance the humpback whale song can last for half an hour and the Baleen sings low frequency songs while the toothed mammals click and whistle which are also used for echolocation. These sounds are used for attracting mates as well as being territorial and the tooth species locate prey by clicking.
Whales have defence mechanisms whereby the toothed species use their teeth to kill their prey as well as protect themselves. Most of the toothed species hunt cooperatively by catching and killing large prey such as the orcas are capable of killing a young blue whale and humpbacks use a method known as bubble net feeding which allows them to catch large amounts of small fish during a feeding.
About the Author:
While studying whales one feature that has always intrigued Peter van Diem is the whales mating rituals.
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