Student Article
Humpback Whales: Giants of the Ocean and Their Amazing Behavior
Pectoral fins (noun): Long, flat fins located on each side of a whale used for swimming and turning.
Breach (verb): To leap out of the water, often creating a splash.
Bubble-netting (noun): A hunting technique where whales blow bubbles to trap fish before swimming up to catch them.
Seamount (noun): An underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor.
Baleen (noun): The comb-like structures in a whale's mouth used to filter food from water.
Humpback whales are known for their size, acrobatic skills, and mysterious behaviors, making them one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean.
Why humpbacks are so special Humpback whales are enormous animals that live in all the world's oceans. These whales can grow up to 52 feet long — about the size of a school bus — and weigh around 40 tons, or 80,000 pounds! A remarkable feature of humpbacks is their long flippers, which can reach lengths of up to 16 feet. Scientists call these "pectoral fins," and although they may look awkward, they are actually perfectly shaped for maneuvering through the water. What makes their behavior so interesting One of the most exciting things humpback whales do is "breach," which means they jump out of the water and land back with a huge splash. It’s not only for fun — they may breach to shake off parasites or communicate with other whales. Humpbacks also work together to hunt. In a behavior known as "bubble-netting," they dive beneath a school of fish, blow bubbles, and spiral upwards, trapping fish in a tight ball. Then they swim up and take a big mouthful. This is a cooperative hunting technique, and it’s learned from other whales.
Why scientists are still amazed Humpback whales are known for their long migrations. They travel thousands of miles, from cold feeding grounds to warmer waters where they breed and give birth. Along the way, they stop at underwater mountains, or seamounts, to rest, feed, and even sing. The songs, sung only by male whales, can travel for miles underwater, and scientists are still not sure exactly what purpose they serve — whether it’s to attract females, warn other males, or something else entirely. How they eat without teeth Instead of teeth, humpback whales have baleen plates in their mouths that they use to filter tiny creatures like krill and small fish from the water. These whales are gentle giants, but because of their size, it’s important to stay safe when near them. Although they can be curious and may approach boats, they are usually peaceful.
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Pectoral fins (noun): Long, flat fins located on each side of a whale used for swimming and turning.
Breach (verb): To leap out of the water, often creating a splash.
Bubble-netting (noun): A hunting technique where whales blow bubbles to trap fish before swimming up to catch them.
Seamount (noun): An underwater mountain that rises from the ocean floor.
Baleen (noun): The comb-like structures in a whale's mouth used to filter food from water.