10 Fascinating Facts About Whales: Get to Know the Ocean's Largest Mammal

Whales are gigantic and one of the most incredible animals in the marine environment. From their size, long-distance migration and communication, the animals have been monitored by experts to prevent their population decline.

International scientists have been monitoring the activities of whales to understand their migration patterns. Monitoring is also helpful to mitigate the impacts of threats that affect their numbers.

Moreover, whales are also a loved marine animal. People travel to different areas to see the presence of the gigantic animal. Here are 10 fascinating facts about whales that people should know.

1. The Other Kinds of Whales

(Photo : by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)
Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis). Whales are one of the most fascinating animals, of their size and ecosystem role. Here are the 10 fascinating facts about whales that you should know. Whales are considered one of the longest-living mammals, especially bowhead whales which are around 200 years old. International scientists have been monitoring the activities of whales to understand their migration patterns. Monitoring is also helpful to mitigate the impacts of threats that affect their numbers.

Some of the common whales are the following:

gray whales
baleen whales
right whales
baleen whales

However, they have suffered from climate change effects, fisheries bycatch, pollution, global warming, oil exploration and vessel strike.

2. Significant Role in the Environment

Whales play a crucial role in the food chain and marine environment. According to a recent report, the species of whale helps in the carbon capture that can alleviate the effects of climate change.

3. Largest Living Animal

Whales are considered the largest living animal on Earth. They can weigh up to 150 tons with a length of over 100 feet. Based on the report, the heaviest whale measured about 190 tons.

4. Eating Small Prey to Live

Despite their gigantic size, whales can eat the smallest prey on the planet. Krills are one of their favorite food, eating a whopping 3 tons of krill every day.

5. Having Multiple Stomachs

As they can eat more food with their big stomach, a recent report showed that whales have amazingly multiple stomachs. For instance, the Baird's beaked whale has over 13 stomachs with connecting chambers!

6.Communication Through Sounds

Similar to other marine animals, whales can communicate using sound. Their communication skills can be through the sounds of moans, grunts, clicks, whistles and groans. As social creatures, the sound noises will be helpful with them to socialize.

7. Whales Have a Big Brain

Whales have the biggest brains with their massive size. Researchers explained that whales can transmit messages to other whales to evade potential predation or attacks.