1.
Which of the following body parts does the bowhead whale not have?
Correct Answer
A. Dorsal Fins
Explanation
The bowhead whale does not have dorsal fins. Dorsal fins are typically found on the backs of most whale species, but the bowhead whale is an exception to this. Instead, it has a large hump on its back that is covered in blubber. This unique feature sets the bowhead whale apart from other whales and helps to distinguish it from other species.
2.
Which of the following classifications of mammal do whales belong to?
Correct Answer
B. Cetacea
Explanation
Whales belong to the classification of Cetacea. Cetacea is a group of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. They are characterized by their aquatic lifestyle, streamlined bodies, and blowholes for breathing. This classification is specific to marine mammals and distinguishes them from other groups such as Procellariiformes (seabirds), Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates), and Diprotodontia (marsupials).
3.
Beluga whales have teeth designed for grabbing and tearing its prey. How many teeth do beluga whales have?
Correct Answer
D. 34 Teeth
Explanation
Beluga whales have 34 teeth. These teeth are specifically adapted for grabbing and tearing their prey. The number of teeth is important for their feeding habits and hunting strategies. Beluga whales primarily feed on fish and squid, and their teeth allow them to catch and hold onto their prey effectively. The teeth are sharp and pointed, enabling them to tear apart their food before swallowing it. With 34 teeth, beluga whales are well-equipped for their carnivorous diet in their natural habitat.
4.
How many inches thick from infancy to maturity is the blubber of a blue whale?
Correct Answer
B. 2 - 14 Inches
Explanation
The blubber of a blue whale is typically 2 - 14 inches thick from infancy to maturity. Blubber is a thick layer of fat that helps to insulate the whale and provide buoyancy in the water. This layer of fat also helps to store energy and provide a food reserve for the whale during periods of fasting. The thickness of the blubber can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health of the whale.
5.
Approximately how long is the gestation period for a blue whale calf?
Correct Answer
B. 11-12 Months
Explanation
The gestation period for a blue whale calf is approximately 11-12 months. This means that the female blue whale carries the calf in her womb for this duration before giving birth. This is a relatively long gestation period compared to other mammals. The length of the gestation period is important for the development and growth of the calf before it is ready to be born and enter the world.
6.
Approximately how many teeth are contained in the lower jaw of the sperm whale?
Correct Answer
C. 50-60 Teeth
Explanation
Sperm whales have around 50-60 teeth in their lower jaw. These teeth are cone-shaped and can grow up to 8 inches long. However, the upper jaw of a sperm whale does not have any teeth, and instead, it has sockets that the lower teeth fit into. The teeth are used for grabbing and holding onto prey, such as squid and fish. The number of teeth can vary slightly among individual whales, but on average, they have 50-60 teeth in their lower jaw.
7.
What are the average size dimensions of the sperm whales flippers?
Correct Answer
C. 5 Ft. Long By 3 Ft. Wide
Explanation
The average size dimensions of the sperm whale's flippers are 5 ft. long by 3 ft. wide.
8.
Approximately how many pounds does the average sperm whale's heart weigh?
Correct Answer
A. 277 Pounds
Explanation
The average sperm whale's heart weighs approximately 277 pounds. This suggests that sperm whales have large hearts compared to other animals. The weight of a whale's heart is an interesting fact that showcases the unique characteristics of these marine creatures.
9.
Whale milk has a high fat content. Approximately what percentage to volume in fat does whale milk contain?
Correct Answer
C. 50%
Explanation
Whale milk contains a high fat content, specifically around 50% of the volume. This high fat percentage is necessary to provide the energy and nutrients required for the growth and development of whale calves, as well as to help them maintain their body temperature in the cold ocean waters.
10.
What is the largest toothed whale reaching approximately 60 feet in length and weighing approximately 40-50 tons?
Correct Answer
B. Male Sperm Whales
Explanation
Male Sperm Whales are the largest toothed whales, reaching approximately 60 feet in length and weighing approximately 40-50 tons. Blue Whales, on the other hand, are the largest animals on Earth, but they are baleen whales and not toothed whales. Female Blue Whales are generally larger than male Blue Whales, but they are still smaller than Male Sperm Whales. Female Sperm Whales are also large, but not as large as Male Sperm Whales. Therefore, the correct answer is Male Sperm Whales.
11.
Which of the following is not a nickname for the beluga whale?
Correct Answer
D. "Bottle Top"
Explanation
The nickname "Bottle Top" is not associated with the beluga whale. The other three options, "Sea Canary," "White Porpoise," and "Squid Hound," are all commonly used nicknames for the beluga whale.
12.
The scientific term 'Physeter Macrocephalus' is used to describe which of the following whales?
Correct Answer
A. Sperm Whale
Explanation
The scientific term "Physeter Macrocephalus" is used to describe the Sperm Whale. This term refers specifically to the species of whale known for its large head and sperm oil production. The Sperm Whale is the largest toothed predator and is famous for its ability to dive to great depths in search of its prey.
13.
Which of the following whales is scientifically classified as the "Eschrichltius Robustus"?
Correct Answer
B. Gray Whales
Explanation
The correct answer is Gray Whales. Gray Whales are scientifically classified as "Eschrichtius robustus".
14.
What is the English definition of the scientific whale feeding term "benthic"?
Correct Answer
A. Bottom
Explanation
The English definition of the scientific whale feeding term "benthic" is "bottom." This term refers to the region near or on the bottom of a body of water, such as the ocean floor. Whales that feed in benthic environments often search for food by diving to the bottom and using various feeding strategies to capture prey that resides there.
15.
Approximately how much does the sperm whale's brain weigh?
Correct Answer
C. 20 Pounds
Explanation
The sperm whale's brain weighs approximately 20 pounds. This indicates that the brain of a sperm whale is quite heavy compared to other animals. The weight of the brain is significant as it suggests that the sperm whale possesses a large and complex brain, which is likely to be associated with its advanced cognitive abilities and sophisticated behaviors.