This picture shows the body features of toothed Whales

This picture shows the body freatures of Baleen Whales

I’ve always found it pretty cool how Cetaceans manage to live in such 
extreme conditions and still be so similar to us.

Whales and Dolphins have specially adapted their whole bodies to 
survive in waters all around the world. Ranging from, the freezing 
cold waters of the Artic and the Antarctic regions to the warm waters 
of the Indian oceans and even reaching into some rivers.

One of the ways in which they have adapted their bodies is by moving 
their blow hole (our nose). It is no longer on the front of their face 
but can be found on the top of their heads; this makes breathing a lot 
easier for them as they don’t have to keep stretching their heads up 
out of the water. Most Cetaceans (Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises) have 
fused neck bones meaning they can’t move their necks up or down.

Another thing about the areas in which they live is the temperature 
of the water, it can get extremely cold to combat. As such, they have gained 
an extra layer this is known as blubber and this helps them keep their 
body temperature constant. Unlike us who put on dry suits to keep warm 
the blubber acts in this way. Certain species of Cetaceans such as the 
Beluga Whale has 18 inches of blubber all over its body.

This is just a brief introduction to a huge amount of adaptations that these 
animals have gone through to survive, why not find out more by joining 
myself or Beth on one of our crossings? Or leave a question on the blog.

Rosie
Wildlife officer