Humpback Whales Are the Big Singers of the Ocean

by Isabella Flores Gonzalez, age 7

The humpback whale is a marine mammal found in oceans around the world. These massive creatures can grow as long as 50-60 feet and weigh as much as 40 tons, making them one of the largest animals in the sea.

Humpback whales have a diet that includes krill, small fish, and other small marine organisms. Instead of teeth, they have baleen, comb-like structures in their upper jaws that help them filter food from water. When feeding, a humpback whale opens its mouth wide, allowing water and small prey to enter. It then uses its tongue to push the water out through the baleen, trapping the prey inside to be swallowed.

In addition to their unique feeding technique, humpback whales are remarkable for their ability to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes during deep dives, although they typically stay submerged for around 10-20 minutes. They are also famous for their songs, which can last up to 15 minutes and are believed to be part of mating displays.

Humpback whales must surface regularly to breathe, and they continue swimming underwater after taking a breath. These whales are vital to the marine ecosystem, helping to regulate populations of small fish and krill while contributing to nutrient cycling in the ocean.

[Source: National Geographic Kids]