: This group, which includes sperm whales and dolphins , uses teeth to hunt larger prey. Cultural and Ecological Significance

: Once hunted to the brink of extinction, species like the blue whale remain endangered, with populations estimated at only around 10,000. Digital Representation 100+ Whale Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

Beyond their biological stats, whales hold deep meaning across various human cultures:

: Many Indigenous groups revere whales as totems of strength, protection, and harmony.

: These use fringed plates to filter tiny prey like krill from the water.

Whales are the largest and oldest animals on Earth, belonging to the group of marine mammals known as . They are found in every ocean, ranging from the massive blue whale , which can grow to over 100 feet, to the smaller dwarf sperm whale . These creatures are divided into two main categories: