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includes dolphins and porpoises. They are among the largest animals on Earth, with
some species, like the blue whale, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet and weighing as
much as 200 tons. Whales are known for their intelligence, complex social structures,
and migratory behaviors. They can be divided into two main groups: baleen whales
and toothed whales. Baleen whales, like the humpback and gray whale, use comb-like
structures in their mouths to filter feed on small organisms like krill and plankton.
Toothed whales, such as orcas and sperm whales, are active predators, feeding on
fish, squid, and even other marine mammals. Whales are vital to marine ecosystems,
playing a key role in nutrient cycling and the health of oceanic food chains. Despite
their massive size, many whale species face threats from human activities, such as
hunting, pollution, and climate change, making conservation efforts critical for their
survival.