Dolphins have a very different body shape in comparison to whales — dolphins are leaner with torpedo shaped bodies and elongated beaks. The most common misidentification of cetaceans is between dolphins and porpoises — both belonging to the toothed whale family.
However, there are several differences between them. The biggest difference between porpoises and dolphins is their teeth. Dolphins have cone-shaped teeth, where porpoises have flat, spade-shaped teeth. However, it is not easy to see their teeth at a quick glance. Luckily, there are some external differences between them. Dolphins also tend to have a longer and more pointed beak, while porpoises have a shorter face, and an overall more rounded body than the leaner dolphins.
Just like the differences between the baleen and toothed whales, there are differences between dolphin and porpoise communication. Dolphins are very chatty, making a range of noises that are audible to the human ear.
Porpoises, however, communicate at a higher frequency that we cannot hear, and less often than dolphins. Porpoises tend to travel is smaller groups, and have more subdued surface behaviour, compared to their aerobatic dolphin cousins. It is thought that these differences help porpoises to evade predation e. Originally from B.
When not talking about whales, she can be found ocean-side, hiking, or snuggling her cat with a good book. Your email address will not be published. November 25, 4 minute read. Whales Sei whale with her calf. Dorsal Fins The first difference is the size of their dorsal fins relative to their body size. Dolphins also have the ability to echolocate, where baleen whales do not. Despite their size, the interesting thing about baleen whales is they eat smaller food at a larger volume.
In other words, they consume tons literally tons of krill or small fish, instead of a few larger fish. Dolphins, on the other hand, eat a variety of fish and crustaceans, like shrimp. Both dolphins and baleen whales often travel in groups. This is for safety, as well as to hunt for food. On average, dolphin pods can range from a few individuals to hundreds or thousands because of their very social nature.
In contrast, humpback whales tend to be more solitary and travel with only one or two other individuals. The very size of whales makes them less susceptible to attack compared to dolphins.
Both species procreate less than other smaller animal—resembling humans in that regard. Dolphins and baleen whales only have one baby at a time, but dolphins give birth every two to three years, while baleen whales might go two to five years or more.
In terms of gestation, most dolphins are pregnant for months depending on the species, while orcas carry their calves for 18 months! Like too many animals today, climate change and human encroachment are putting marine mammals in danger. Human-made threats like ship strikes and entanglement in fishing nets are pushing species to the brink of extinction.
There are only remaining vaquitas left in the world and the Maui dolphin in New Zealand has about 55 individuals remaining. Bottlenose Dolphin The bottlenose dolphin is identifiable by a short and stubby beak hence bottlenose.
The dolphin's color is light gray to slate gray with lighter sides and a pinkish belly. Common Dolphin Common dolphins can be identified by their complex, colorful pattern of dark gray, light gray and yellow on their sides. They can be very energetic and acrobatic, often bow riding with vessels. Gray Whale The gray whale is the only member of the Eschrichtiidae family. Different from many other large whales, gray whales are frequently seen close to shore feeding along shallow, muddy shorelines.
Harbor Porpoise The harbor porpoise is a very small cetacean with a robust body. Their bodies are dark on the back and light underneath. Harbor porpoises are not social and are often shy and elusive around people. Humpback Whale Humpback whales are large baleen whales with dark colored backs and white undersides. Their large pectoral fins, which can measure one-third of their body length, distinguish them from other whales.
Unique patterns on the underside of their tail flutes make individual whales identifiable to scientists and researchers. Minke Whale Minke whales are one of the smallest of all baleen whales, with a sleek body and sharply pointed head.
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