How many families are in Odontoceti?
Suborder Odontoceti comprises 10 families, for a total of 72 species.
Why are cetaceans grouped together?
The ancient Greeks recognized that cetaceans breathe air, give birth to live young, produce milk, and have hair—all features of mammals. Because of their body form, however, cetaceans were commonly grouped with the fishes.
Do toothed whales travel in groups?
The toothed whales travel in large, sometimes stable pods; they frequently hunt their prey in groups, migrate together, and share care of their young. Baleen whales usually travel alone or in small pods. A pod will hunt and migrate as a group.
Is Odontocete a family?
There are two families of odontocetes distinguished by the shape of their teeth: the porpoises (with spade-like teeth) and dolphins (with round teeth). Sperm whales are the only odontocetes that don’t fit into either dolphin or porpoise categories. Odontocetes are pack animals that hunt cooperatively.
What family is whale in?
cetacean family
Marine mammals in the cetacean family include whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Is cetacean a family?
Mysticeti (baleen whales or mysticetes – approximately 14 species) Odontceti (toothed whales or odontocetes – approximately 75 species)…
| Suborder Odontoceti (toothed whales or odontocetes) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Family | Scientific name | IWC Common name |
| Family Kogiidae | Kogia breviceps | pygmy sperm whale |
What are the 2 families of cetaceans?
Mysticetes vs Odontocetes Based on the presence or absence of teeth, cetaceans are generally divided into two groups or suborders: the Mysticetes (baleen whales); and the Odontocetes (toothed whales).
What are the two main groups into which cetaceans are classified?
Cetaceans (whales, porpoises, and dolphins) are categorized into two main groups: baleen whales (mysticetes) and toothed whales (odontocetes). They spend their lives in water, and have many adaptations to their entirely aquatic lifestyle. There are over 70 different species of cetacean.
Do whales stay with their families?
Yes they do. Social connections are evident in all species of whales and dolphins – they just love to be together. The family associations among them vary in terms of the kind or degree of closeness and longevity of the relationships. The bond may be loose and temporary or it may be permanent.
What whales live in groups?
In the Pacific Northwest, killer whales (or orcas) form pods of 2-50 whales and they do hunt together like a pack of wolves. Researchers have found that killer whales tend to either be residential, meaning they live and hunt in the same area, or transient traveling around to find the food according to availability.
What is the Delphinidae family?
Oceanic dolphins or Delphinidae are a widely distributed family of dolphins that live in the sea. Close to forty extant species are recognised. They include several big species whose common names contain “whale” rather than “dolphin”, such as the Globicephalinae (round-headed whales including the orca and pilot whale).
What is a suborder Odontoceti?
toothed whale, (suborder Odontoceti), any of the odontocete cetaceans, including the oceanic dolphins, river dolphins, porpoises, pilot whales, beaked whales, and bottlenose whales, as well as the killer whale, sperm whale, narwhal, and beluga whale.
How many cetacean species are there?
90 species
Cetacea is the scientific term for the group of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. There are over 90 species of cetaceans that inhabit the world’s oceans, lakes and rivers according to the World Cetacean Database (2016).
How many orders are cetaceans divided into?
There are about 86 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises in the order Cetaceans, divided into two sub orders: Toothed Whales or Odontoceti: have teeth and a single blowhole.
How long do whales stay with mother?
Calves stay with their mothers for about six to seven months. At 6 months old, calves have just about doubled in length, reaching on average over 52 feet long. The life expectancy of blue whales is unknown, but it’s estimated to be between 80 to 90 years.
Do whales live alone or in groups?
What is a cluster of whales called?
A group of whales is commonly referred to as a pod, among other names. Like humans, whales form groups and families through friendship or for other biological reasons. A group such as this may also be called a school or gam.