What is the difference between a baleen whale and a toothed whale?
Baleen whales (Mysticetes) are large whales which have a specialized method of feeding. Rather than teeth, they have baleen plates, which act as strainers. Mouthfuls of prey and water are gulped into the large mouth, and the tongue is then used to force water out of the mouth while the baleen traps the prey inside. Toothed whales (Odontocetes) are porpoises, dolphins, and whales of varying sizes. They have cone or spade-shaped teeth used to grasp prey.
