Humpback+Whale

=Humpback Whale=

The Humpback Whale ( //Megaptera novaeangliae//) is a migratory ocean dwelling mammal found in different oceans and seas around the world. The Humpback Whale is a type of baleen whale, or great whale, that has a specific shape different from other whale species. The following is its phylogenetic organization and images.


 * Kingdom:** Metazoa
 * Phylum:** Chordata
 * Class:** Mammalia
 * Subclass:** Eutheria
 * Family:** Calaenopteridae
 * Genus:** //Megatera//
 * Species:** //novaeangliae//

Humpback whale entering the water .............. Humpback mother and calf .................... Humpback exiting the water

Ecology
The humpback whale is an aquatic mammal that has a specific feeding cycle. Humpbacks generally feed in the summer and live off fat reserves during the winters. They are considered opportunists, having the most diverse diet of all baleen whales. They will consume any organisms such as krill, plankton, and small schools of fish that are present in the waters. Some examples of fish type may be herring, salmon, or mackerel.

The humpback whale is the top most creature in the aquatic food chain, with an exception of the [|killer whale], simply because of their massive size. Killer whales are known to sometimes attack Humpbacks, in times of great desperation, however the maximum amount of damage that usually occurs is scarring of the skin. Killer whales however may attack and kill calves.

Humpbacks inhabit all major oceans with the exception of the eastern Mediterranean and Baltic Sea. Humpbacks are migratory creatures, similar to many other whale species. They are one of the best travelers, with annual migrations up to 16,000 miles each year. During the summer is devoted to feeding and nurturing the young in warm waters.

Anatomical Structure
Humpback Whales with easily identified because of their specific body type, no other whale is quite like the Humpback. They have a stocky body and protruding humps across their back. Humpbacks can also be identified through their black colored upper parts.

Unlike humans, whales are one of the few mammals that are voluntary breathers, which explains the whale's ability to stay underwater for long periods of time. Humpbacks are equipped with two blow holes near the top of the head to breathe the air at the surface of the ocean. One hole is used to inhale air and fill the lungs, the other blow hole functions exhalation.

An adult Humpback generally weights about 26 tons, eating up to 1.5 tons of food a day. The fins are one-third of the whale's body length. Adult males measure 40-48 feet and adult females measure 45-50 feet, being one of the largest creatures in the ocean.

Reproduction
Humpbacks are K-strategist breeders, exhibiting many parenting styles of humans. Typically reproducing a calf every two to three years, the gestation period of a fetus is 11.5 months. Humpbacks give viviparous (live), placental births. At birth, calves are usually 13- 15 feet long and nurse with the mother for at least a year (generally a bit longer). Mothers are extremely protective of her calf even in extreme danger.

Mating rituals of the Humpbacks are generally associated with the famous "whale song." The whale song is only sung by males, to court the females. The songs are sung at various frequencies ranging from 20 - 9,000 Hz and will only be sung in warm waters (where reproduction happens). It has been recorded by researchers that the songs resemble human music.

Humpback Whales in Danger
Humpback Whales are currently one of the many species that are on the "endangered species" list, with only between 30,000 - 40,000 remaining today. This is only one third the amount of Humpbacks that originally roamed the oceans. There are many factors leading to their depleting population. Before 1966, there was a massive amount of hunting of the Humpback. After 1966, it became illegal to hunt Humpbacks. However, hunting is not the only reason for Humpback endangerment. A large reason is habitat destruction caused by humans. From oil spills in the oceans which disperse far from many the point of origin to runoff that also flow across the waters. These type of human caused pollution causes an increase of toxicity and potential to kill krill therefore leading to a depletion of Humpback whales over time.