Student Article

Have you ever wondered how big humpback whales are and why they jump out of the water?

Why humpbacks are so special Humpback whales are huge animals that live in oceans all around the world. They can grow up to 52 feet long, which is the same length as a bus! They weigh about 40 tons, which is as heavy as 8 elephants! One cool thing about humpback whales is their big flippers, which can be up to 16 feet long — longer than most other whales’ flippers. What makes their behavior so interesting Humpback whales are famous for jumping out of the water in a move called "breaching." They leap high into the air and splash back down into the ocean. They do this to show off or to get rid of sea lice. But that’s not the only fun thing they do — some humpback whales work together to catch fish! They create bubble nets by blowing bubbles in the water, trapping fish inside. Then they rush up and gulp down the fish!

Why scientists are still amazed These whales travel across oceans, moving from cold waters where they feed to warm waters where they give birth. Sometimes, they stop to rest at underwater mountains called seamounts. Scientists think these whales may gather there to find food or sing to each other. Their songs can be heard for miles underwater. How they eat without teeth Humpback whales don’t have teeth. Instead, they have special plates called baleen that help them catch tiny animals like krill and small fish. These whales are peaceful, but because they are so big, it’s important to give them space.

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