1.
On average, what's the weight of a newborn killer whale?
Correct Answer
B. 400-600 pounds
Explanation
Newborn killer whale calves weigh around 400 to 600 pounds (180 to 270 kilograms) at birth.
2.
How long is the gestation period of a killer whale?
Correct Answer
C. 17
Explanation
The correct answer is 17. The gestation period of a killer whale, also known as an orca, is approximately 17 months. This is one of the longest gestation periods among mammals. During this time, the female killer whale carries and nurtures her unborn calf until it is ready to be born. This lengthy gestation period allows for the development of the calf's complex brain and social skills, which are crucial for its survival in the wild.
3.
What type of reproduction do killer whales perform?
Correct Answer
C. Sexual reproduction: Internal fertilization
Explanation
Killer whales perform sexual reproduction through internal fertilization. This means that the male whale transfers sperm directly into the female's reproductive system, where fertilization occurs. This type of reproduction is common among mammals, including marine mammals like killer whales. It allows for genetic variation and the production of offspring with a combination of traits from both parents.
4.
What lifestyle change happens during the female is pregnant?
Correct Answer
D. She does not participate much in hunting
Explanation
During pregnancy, female mammals often experience changes in their behavior and physical abilities to protect and nurture their unborn offspring. In this case, the correct answer suggests that the female does not participate much in hunting. This is likely because hunting requires physical exertion and may pose a risk to both the mother and the developing fetus. By reducing her involvement in hunting, the female can prioritize the safety and well-being of her unborn offspring.
5.
Which of the following hormones do NOT become elevated during pregnancy?
Correct Answer
D. Progestrone
Explanation
During pregnancy, the levels of various hormones increase to support the growth and development of the fetus. Growth hormone (GH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estrogen are known to become elevated during pregnancy. However, the hormone progesterone does not become elevated during pregnancy. Progesterone is primarily produced by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle to prepare the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. Once pregnancy occurs, the placenta takes over the production of progesterone, and its levels remain high throughout pregnancy to maintain the uterine lining and support the pregnancy.
6.
A pregnant killer whale's progesterone levels are closely related to which of the following factors?
Correct Answer
B. Body temperature
Explanation
A pregnant killer whale's progesterone levels are closely related to its body temperature. Progesterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy and regulating the reproductive cycle. Changes in body temperature can affect hormone production and balance in the body, including progesterone levels. Therefore, fluctuations in body temperature can impact the progesterone levels of a pregnant killer whale, making it closely related to body temperature.
7.
Which of the following body parts of the calf comes out first during delivery?
Correct Answer
C. Tail
Explanation
During the delivery of a calf, the tail is the body part that comes out first. This is because the calf is positioned inside the mother's womb with its head towards the back and its tail towards the birth canal. As the calf begins to be born, the tail emerges first, followed by the rest of the body. This allows the calf to navigate through the birth canal more easily, with the head and front legs being the last to come out.
8.
Killer whales are which of the following colours when they are born?
Correct Answer
C. Black and yellow
Explanation
Killer whales are not black and yellow when they are born. This is an incorrect answer. Killer whales are actually born black and white. As they grow older, their coloration may change and develop into a more distinct black and white pattern.
9.
How do whales swim or propel themselves forward in water?
Correct Answer
C. Whales move their tails up and down to move forward in the water unlike other fish.
Explanation
Whales move their tails up and down to move forward in the water unlike other fish. This is because whales have horizontal tails, also known as flukes, which are specially adapted for swimming. When a whale moves its tail up and down, it creates a powerful force that propels it forward through the water. This is different from other fish, which typically use their tails to move side to side. Additionally, whales can also use their flippers and buoyancy to assist in their forward movement.
10.
What breathing strategy did whales have to develop in order to survive so well under water?
Correct Answer
A. Whales had to develop conscious breathing in order to survive so well under water.
Explanation
Whales had to develop conscious breathing in order to survive so well under water. This means that they have to actively control their breathing and cannot rely on automatic processes like humans do. This is necessary because whales cannot breathe underwater like fish with gills, and they need to come to the surface to take in air. By developing conscious breathing, whales have adapted to their aquatic environment and can effectively regulate their oxygen intake while diving for extended periods of time.