How do Whales Swim?
Their large bodies are streamlined (hydrodynamic), like a submarine, for moving through the water. Whales have flukes or a tail used for swimming. The flukes are moved in an up-and-down motion to accelerate. The dorsal fin acts like the keel of a boat; it keeps the whale from rolling side to side while swimming. Whales have pectoral flippers just behind the head. These pectoral flippers are used for steering, turning, and stopping. How do Whales Breathe? Whales have lungs they use to get the oxygen they need by breathing air (like humans). But instead of breathing through their mouth, they breathe through their nostrils, called blowholes, located on top of their heads. They can easily breathe through the blowhole without lifting their entire head out of the water. Reproduction: Females (cows) reach reproductive maturity at about 14 to 15 years. Females give birth every three to ten years, following a 17-month pregnancy. Young are able to swim and dive at birth, and they grow quickly on
