Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

The humpback whale is a captivating creature. It is one of the most photographed and well-known species of whales and it boasts some of the most unique characteristics among its relatives. Although this species gets a lot of attention from scientists and observers alike, there are still many mysteries that enshroud the lifestyle and behavior of the humpback whale. We are still uncertain of the purpose of the long “songs” that emanate from this whale…

Characteristics

The humpback whale is fairly recognizable. These whales are covered with wart-like projections (called tubercles) around the mouth and head. A hair, which may serve a sensory purpose such as detecting movement in the water, protrudes out of each tubercle. The long flippers (about one third the length of the entire body) of the humpback are scalloped on the edge and (like the tail and much of the rest of the whale’s body) can be covered with whale lice and multiple different species of barnacles…

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