Whales belong to the mammalian order Cetacea [sE tA'shuh], which comes from a Latin word meaning large sea animal. Scientists have identified at least 75 kinds of cetaceans. They are divided into two suborders -- Mysticeti (baleen whales) and Odontoceti (toothed whales).

Whales are unique among all mammals in that they carry out their complete life history in water.

The blue whale is the largest animal that has ever lived. Blue whales may grow up to 100 feet long and weigh more than 100 short tons.

Whales are found in every ocean on Earth.

All whales have a thick layer of blubber, which aids in buoyancy, helps preserve body heat, and is a source of stored energy.

A whale's skin is free of sweat glands, oil glands, or hair (in adults).

Baleen whales can hold their breath up to 50 minutes when diving, and sperm whales up to 75 minutes.

Sperm whales regularly dive to depths of 1,500 feet in search of their prey, the giant squid.

Whales are the only animals (other than elephants) to possess a brain larger than a human has.

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This page was last updated on 03/15/2010.