Describe how the Humpback Whale is unique. Write two questions you have after analyzing the information.
The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale with a number of unique characteristics that distinguish it from other whales:
1. Size and Appearance: Humpback Whales are large marine mammals, with adults averaging between 39 to 52 feet in length and weighing about 28 to 33 metric tons. They have long pectoral fins, which can be up to a third of their body length, making them the longest limbs of any animal relative to body size. These fins give the species its scientific name Megaptera, meaning "big-winged." Humpbacks have a distinctive body shape with a bulky, rounded head and a humped dorsal fin, hence the common name "humpback."
2. Acrobatic Behavior: Humpback Whales are known for their spectacular behavior at the water's surface. They often breach, slapping the water with their fins or tails, which is thought to be a form of communication, a way to dislodge parasites, or a playful activity.
3. Vocalization: Humpbacks are famous for their complex songs. Males sing particularly during the breeding season, presumably to attract females or deter other males. These songs can last for up to 20 minutes and can be heard over great distances in the ocean. Each population has its own distinct song pattern, which evolves over time.
4. Migratory Patterns: These whales undertake long migrations, one of the farthest of any mammal, traveling from feeding grounds in polar regions to breeding grounds in tropical waters. Their migration can cover up to 16,000 miles each year.
5. Feeding Techniques: Humpbacks have a unique and innovative approach to feeding called bubble net feeding. A group of whales will swim in a shrinking circle blowing bubbles below a school of prey. This creates a "net" of bubbles that traps the prey, allowing the whales to swim upwards with their mouths open to consume large amounts of fodder.
6. Conservation Success: Humpback Whales were once near extinction due to commercial whaling, but populations have considerably rebounded since the 1980s with international protection. They are one of the success stories of marine conservation, although they still face threats from entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and habitat disturbance.
After analyzing this information, here are two questions you might have:
1. Given that each population of Humpback Whales has a distinct song that changes over time, how do these song variations spread within the population, and are there any "cultural" exchanges between different populations during their migratory encounters?
2. With the unique bubble net feeding strategy, is there a particular leader or initiator in a group of Humpback Whales, and how do they coordinate such complex group behavior?