Baleen whales

Baleen Whales are among the largest whales in the ocean, and some of the largest animals on Earth. They belong to a suborder of whales (also known as cetaceans) called Mysticeti. Mysticeti whales have a bony plate in their upper jaw in which fibrous strands called baleen hang down from. Baleen is made of keratin, the same material that makes up our hair and fingernails. Mysticeti whales use their baleen to strain the water from the ocean to capture the prey it feeds on.

The songs of humpback, blue and other baleen whales are generated by the unusual anatomy of their larynx, according to a new paper.

Baleen in a whale’s mouth.

right whale, baleen, zooplankton, diagram

Photo about Baleen, soft teeth of a baby gray whale, sifts the krill from the sea water. Image of blue, splashing, whales - 13631684

A graceful 70 ton Southern Right Whale in New Zealand's Auckland Islands | Photography by @BrianSkerry

Balaena mysticetus is a species of baleen (or bowhead) whale endemic to the Arctic. Some populations are considered Endangered although the worldwide population is not of concern. Potential threats would have to do with the whale's ability to migrate. #bowheadwhale #endangeredspecies

Scientists think the huge mammals may use a combination of the sun's position, Earth's magnetism and even star maps to guide their journeys.

Bowhead whales are capable of breaking through sea ice at least seven inches thick with their large skulls and powerful bodies.