Lab Activity 6.1
Baleen Whales

  Directions

Study the instructional material below. Be sure to click on each of the photographs for an enlarged view in a separate window. The larger version is necessary to complete the assignment. It opens in a separate window which can be resized by grabbing the bottom right corner and dragging it. It can also be moved by grabbing the top heading bar and dragging it. Be sure to close the extra window by using the X in IBM, or the close box in MAC when you are finished using them.

  Introduction


No other group of marine animals is as well loved as the whales. They have captured our imagination and protection. Whales are mammals that are completely adapted for life in the ocean. Their anatomy and physiology enables them to swim like fish, hold their breathe for long periods of time, and venture into the ocean depths. By studying the Sea World Web Site you will become familiar with a variety of aspects of whale biology. The baleen whales will be featured in this lab activity.

Top  Instruction

Answer the following questions about baleen whales by clicking this link, visiting the Sea World/Busch Gardens Baleen Whales Web Site and searching for the answers. Prepare an answer for each of the questions listed below. You can print out the charts and fill them in or create similar charts in your notebook.

Be sure to write about what you are learning in the lab section of your notebook. You will be expected to answer questions about the lab activity during the lab self test and lab quiz. It helps to have your text and coloring books open beside you for support.

 
Supporting Information
Refer to the Assigned Readings Below:
Marine Biology Textbook Chapter 9, pages 190 to 209
Marine Biology Coloring Book Plate 62 and 89
 

Classification
Questions Answers
1. The term baleen whale is another name for the scientific suborder Mysticeti. The wordMysticeti is derived from the Greek word for moustache, mystax. What does this refer to?  
2. Most scientists recognize three families within the suborder Mysticeti. What are the characteristics of the family Balaenidae (the right whales)?  
3. What are the characteristics of the family Balaenopteridae (the rorqual whales)?  
4. What are the characteristics of the family Eschrichtiidae (the gray whale)?  
5. According to the fossil record, how long ago did the first baleen whales appear?  

Characteristics, Senses, and Adaptations
Questions Answers
1. Baleen whales are some of the largest animals. What advantages are provided by their large size?   
2. Describe the fins and limbs of baleen whales.  
3. Describe the physiological adaptations that enable a baleen whale to conserve oxygen while diving underwater.  
4. How can you tell a right whale from a gray whale based solely on their spouts (blows)?  
5. How does a baleen whale's circulatory system adjust to conserve or dissipate body heat and maintain body temperature?  

 

Behavior
Questions Answers
1. Describe three individual behaviors exhibited by baleen whales.     
2. Describe the differences in the method of feeding of right whales and rorqual whales.  
3. Describe the seasonal breeding cycle of baleen whales.  
4. How does a baleen whale mother care for her calf?  
5. Describe sound production in baleen whales.   

 

Conservation
Questions Answers
1. What is the International Whaling Commission and what has it done?      
2. What is the US Marine Mammals Protection Act and what is its objective?  
3. Which baleen whales are listed for protection under the US Endangered Species Act?  
4. What are the pre-whaling and current population estimates of blue, humpback, and sei whales?  
5. Commercial and large scale whaling severely affected longevity and causes of death of baleen whales. What commercial products were made from baleen whales?   

 


Lab Activity 6.2 Bottlenose Dolphins