Whales range in size from the 2.6 metres (8.5 ft) and 135 kilograms (298 lb) dwarf sperm whale to the 29.9 metres (98 ft) and 190 tonnes (210 short tons) blue whale, which is the largest known animal …

Jan 7, 2026 · Whale, any of the larger species of aquatic mammals belonging to the order Cetacea. Whales are the heaviest known animals, living or fossil, reaching a maximum size in the blue whale …

Their sheer size amazes us: the blue whale can reach lengths of more than 100 feet and weigh up to 200 tons—as much as 33 elephants. Despite living in the water, whales breathe air.

Whale Whales are large-sized marine mammals belonging to the Cetacea infraorder just like porpoises and dolphins. Being in existence for more than 40 million years, they are the only mammals to …

Jul 15, 2025 · Could a whale eat a human? The myth of a whale swallowing a human is a popular one – from the biblical figure of Jonah to Pinocchio, humans have been fascinated by this possibility. In …

Though the stark population declines from hunting have largely stopped, several whale species are threatened or endangered—including the blue whale, right whale, and fin whale—by a combination...

Unlike the hippo’s ancestor, whale ancestors moved to the sea and evolved into swimming creatures over a period of about 8 million years. Fossils of gigantic ancient whales called Basilosaurus were …

In May 1903, little was known about whale biology, but the National Museum’s curator of mammals, Frederick W. True, dispatched exhibit staff to obtain the world’s first full cast of a whale, which the …

They can be found in every ocean and range in size from the small dwarf sperm whale to the massive blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. Whales belong to a group of marine mammals called …

Jun 4, 2025 · In 2025, the blue whale remains the largest animal on Earth, gliding silently through the ocean, only displaying its blueish-grey hues on occasion. Beyond their awe-inspiring presence, …