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whale
Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics
Images & Videos
killer whale (Orcinus orca) Illustration showing various cetaceans, including baleen whales like the blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, gray whale, sei whale, northern right whale, and bowhead whale, as well as toothed whales such as the sperm whale, narwhal, beluga, Baird's beaked whale, killer whale, dolphins, and porpoises. Each species is labeled with its scientific name and typical or maximum length, with a size scale in the corner for reference. World map showing the breeding grounds and migration routes of the humpback whale. Breeding grounds are marked with blue shaded circles in tropical and subtropical waters near Central America, the South Pacific, western Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Black arrows indicate migration routes stretching between these breeding areas and feeding grounds in higher latitudes near the poles.
Humpback whales: Size, behavior, and threats
Explore the Whale Museum and the whales around the San Juan Islands
Beluga, or white whale (Delphinapterus leucas). whaling breaching humpback A humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaches above the ocean surface near Tofino, with misty mountains and forested coastline in the background. humpback whale
At a Glance
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whale summary
Quizzes
Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Animals, mammals.
Ultimate Animals Quiz
Sea otter (Enhydra lutris), also called great sea otter, rare, completely marine otter of the northern Pacific, usually found in kelp beds. Floats on back. Looks like sea otter laughing. saltwater otters
Animal Group Names
Lion (panthera leo)
Deadliest Animals Quiz
Young chimpanzee dressed in a shirt and sweater vest, scratching his head thinking. (primates)
Wild Words from the Animal Kingdom Vocabulary Quiz
The cheetah is the fastest land animal over short distances. It has become an endangered species in Africa, and is almost extinct in Asia. Cheetah mother with young. Cheetah cubs
Moms of the Animal Kingdom Quiz
Related Questions

whale: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Contributors

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Modified link of Web site: Understanding Evolution - The Evolution of Whales. Aug 27, 2026
Add new Web site: Smithsonian Ocean - Whales and Dolphins. Feb 13, 2026
Add new Web site: American Association for the Advancement of Science - Science Advances - Language-like efficiency in whale communication. Sep 22, 2025
Changed the scientific name of the sperm whale from Physeter catodon to Physeter macrocephalus. Oct 18, 2023
Links added. Oct 09, 2023
Add new Web site: San Diego Zoo Animals and Plants - Whale. Apr 11, 2022
Deleted videos. Dec 09, 2019
Add new Web site: National Geographic Kids - 10 Blue Whale Facts. Feb 12, 2019
Add new Web site: World Wildlife Fund - Whale. Feb 12, 2019
Add new Web site: Understanding Evolution - The Evolution of Whales. Sep 24, 2018
Add new Web site: Britannica's Advocacy for Animals - The Language of Whales. Aug 08, 2017
Add new Web site: Britannica's Advocacy for Animals - The Language of Whales. Aug 08, 2017
Added video. Mar 03, 2015
Added video. Jan 19, 2015
Add new Web site: Buzzle.com - Whale. May 23, 2014
Media added. Apr 22, 2013
Add new Web site: San Diego Zoo - Whale. Feb 11, 2013
Add new Web site: KidsFront - Whale. Feb 11, 2013
Add new Web site: EcoKids - Whale. Feb 11, 2013
Add new Web site: India Parenting - Whale. Sep 14, 2012
Add new Web site: Defenders of Wildlife - Whale. Aug 20, 2012
Add new Web site: Science Kids - Fun Science and Technology for Kids! - Fun Whale Facts for Kids. Mar 15, 2012
Add new Web site: ThinkQuest - Whales. Sep 30, 2011
Add new Web site: Fact Monster - Science - Whale. Jan 11, 2011
Add new Web site: Greenpeace - Whaling. Jul 27, 2010
Add new Web site: Greenpeace - Whaling. Jul 27, 2010
Added new Web site: Animal Planet - Whale. Apr 14, 2009
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Animals - Whales. May 26, 2008
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Animals - How Whales Work. May 26, 2008
Media added. Apr 01, 2008
Added new Web site: Animal Corner - Whale. Feb 10, 2008
Added new Web site: Whale and Dolphin Conservation - Facts About Dolphins. Jan 10, 2007
Added new Web site: Whale Songs. Oct 17, 2006
Added new Web site: Official Site of Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Oct 16, 2006
Added new Web site: PBS Online - Secrets of the Ocean Realm. Sep 20, 2006
Article revised. Mar 28, 2003
Article revised. Mar 06, 2003
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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