Reading Comprehension: Classification of Whales
Develop your reading skills. Read the following text about the classification of whales and do the comprehension questions
Understanding the Classification of Whales
Whales, the majestic creatures of the sea, come in two distinct types: Toothed (Odontoceti) and Baleen (Mysticeti) whales, each with unique characteristics and adaptations.
Toothed whales, as the name suggests, possess sharp teeth used primarily for hunting fish, squid, and other marine mammals. This group includes dolphins and porpoises. With approximately 66 species, toothed whales typically swallow their prey whole and employ echolocation as a hunting tool. Notable members of this group include the Sperm whale, Pygmy Sperm whale, and various species of beaked whales.
On the other hand, Baleen whales are recognized by their baleen plates, which act as a sieve to filter food from the water. These whales are generally larger than their toothed counterparts and boast two blowholes (nostrils). Among the 10 species of baleen whales are the iconic Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, and Gray Whale.
Further delving into the taxonomy of whales reveals the diversity within each group. Toothed whales are divided into families such as Physeteridae (featuring the Sperm whale), Kogiidae (including the Pygmy and Dwarf Sperm whales), and Delphinidae (encompassing various dolphins like the Bottlenose Dolphin and Killer Whale).
Meanwhile, the Mysticeti or Baleen whales are categorized into families such as Eschrichtiidae (home to the Gray whale), Balaenopteridae (which includes the Blue Whale and Minke Whale), Balaenidae (featuring the Bowhead and Right whales), and Neobalaenidae (housing the Pygmy Right Whale).
Understanding the taxonomy of whales provides insights into their evolutionary relationships and ecological roles in marine ecosystems.
True or False Questions:
- Toothed whales primarily use echolocation for communication. (…)
- Baleen whales are generally smaller in size compared to toothed whales. (…)
- The Sperm whale belongs to the Mysticeti group. (…)
- Dolphins are classified as toothed whales. (…)
- The Blue Whale is a member of the Balaenopteridae family. (…)
Source: Wikipedia
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