What are Pilot Whales?

 About Pilot Whales

 

• Despite their name, pilot whales are one of the largest members of the dolphin family.
•  They belong to the dolphin family Delphinidae. 
• There are two species of pilot whales:
  • Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), which are mainly found in tropical and warm-temperate regions.
  • Long-finned pilot whales (G. melas), which inhabit colder waters.

 

Features of Pilot Whales

• They are characterized by a round bulging forehead, a short beaklike snout, and slender pointed flippers. 
• The short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and the long-finned pilot whale (G. melas) are similar in appearance except for the pronounced difference in flipper length between the two species. 
• Both long-finned and short-finned pilot whales are about 4–6 metres (13–20 feet) long.
• Males of both species are larger than females.
• Both species are black, and some individuals have a pale, elongated anchor-shaped mark adorning the throat and chest.
• Pilot whales live in groups numbering from dozens to hundreds.

 

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Q1) What are Orcas?

Orcas (also known as killer whales) are marine mammals. They belong to the suborder of toothed whales (known as odontocetes) but are also the largest member of the dolphin family. They are incredibly popular as they are the most widely distributed of all whales and dolphins, found in every single ocean. They (also known as killer whales) are marine mammals. They belong to the suborder of toothed whales (known as odontocetes) but are also the largest member of the dolphin family. Orcas are incredibly popular as they are the most widely distributed of all whales and dolphins, found in every single ocean.

Source: 78 Whales Slaughtered In Front Of Passengers In Faroe Islands, Cruise Ship Apologises