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Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales - Order Cetacea

Order Profile

By Laura Klappenbach, About.com

Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales -  Order Cetacea.

Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales - Order Cetacea.

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Dolphins, porpoises, and whales (Order Cetacea) are marine mammals that include toothed whales and toothless, filter-feeding (baleen) whales. Dolphins, porpoises, and whales—also referred to as cetaceans—are a unique and highly-specialized group of mammals with hairless bodies, flipper like forelimbs, and reduced back limbs that are located within the body wall (vestigal).

The toothed whales (Suborder Odontoceti) are a diverse group, making up more than 90% of all cetaceans. Toothed whales include porpoises, dolphins, river dolphins, sperm whales, beaked whales, and white whales. Filter feeding whales (also known as baleen whales, Suborder Mysticeti) include the northern right whale, gray whale, bowhead, fin whale, blue whale, humpback whale, minke whale, and others.

Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Cetacea
    The Order Cetacea contains the following subgroups:
    • Suborder: Mysticeti (baleen whales)
    • Suborder: Odontoceti (toothed whales)

Where to See

References

  • Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
  • Ellis E, Poor A. 2006. Cetacea, Animal Diversity Web. November 28, 2008.

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