Whale

From Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia written in simple English for easy reading.

For the biological order, see Cetacea.

Whales are marine mammals, because most of them live in the oceans.

The term whale can be used for all Cetaceans, or only for some. For all of the order, including dolphins and porpoises, see Cetacea.

They are often very large. Whales are not fish; like other mammals, they breathe oxygen from the air, and have a small amount of hair, and warm blood. Whales come in various shapes and sizes. Whales used to be killed for oil by whalers. However, many countries have passed laws saying that no one is allowed to kill whales anymore. Some people still do kill whales, even though it is illegal. Also, some countries have not made it illegal, while others make it legal only for native (indigenous) people.

  • Baleen whales: The big whales (like the Blue whale). They feed on krill, and don't have teeth.
  • Toothed whales: Whales with teeth that feed on fish

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