Term
| List 4 characteristics of the scientific family Monodontidae. |
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Definition
1) No dorsal fin
2) Small broad pectoral flippers
3) Small but distinct beak
4) the 7 neck vertebrae not not fused as in other whales. |
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Term
| How did Beluga Whales get the name "beluga" ? |
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Definition
| Beluga whale got their name from the Russian word for white -"Beloye" |
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Term
| How did Beluga Whales get their nickname "Sea Canaries"? |
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Definition
| The beluga whale got its nickname Sea Canaries form the high pitched, birdlike sounds they make. |
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Term
| Describe the distribution and habitat of the beluga whale. |
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Definition
| Beluga whales live in arctic and subarctic waters.They range throughout the Arctic Ocean and its adjoining seas(Sea of Okhotsk, Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Beaufort Sea , Baffin Bay, Hudson Bay and Gulf of St. Lawrence). They are generally found in shallow coastal waters sometimes in water just deep enough to cover their bodies. In summer many populations are found in warm water estuaries, river basins and shallow near shore habitats. |
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Term
| Describe how the Beluga's thick layer of blubber is a beneficial adaptation for their survival in their arctic environment. |
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Definition
| The thick layer of fat and fibrous connective tissue accounts for more than 40% of their body weight and can be up to 6 inches thick. This blubber layer insulates the Beluga from the cold ocean waters, is an energy reserve, streamlines the body and provides bouyancy. |
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Term
| Describe how the Beluga's white coloration is a beneficial adaptation for their survival in their arctic environment. |
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Definition
| The beluga's white coloration serves as camouflage blending in with the snowy and icy environment of the Arctic. |
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Term
| Describe how the Beluga's lack of a dorsal fin is a beneficial adaptation for their survival in their arctic environment. |
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Definition
| Without a dorsal fin the beluga whale has less surface area for heat loss, can more easily swim under the ice sheets to locate breathing holes. Beluga can use their dorsal ridge to help break through sea ice. |
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Term
| Describe how the Beluga's unfused neck vertebrae is a beneficial adaptation for their survival in their arctic environment. |
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Definition
| With unfused neck vertebrae the beluga whale has greater mobility and flexibility in its neck. It is capable of nodding and turning its head from side to side. Its flexible neck allows a wide range of motion while foraging on the ocean floor. |
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Term
| Describe how the Beluga's prominent and flexible melon is a beneficial adaptation for their survival in their arctic environment. |
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Definition
| The Beluga's melon can change shape as it produces sound and probably focuses sound waves produced by the beluga. The beluga's echolocation ability is important for navigating under ice fields and locating breathing holes. |
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Term
| Beluga whale feed in both benthic and pelagic habitats. Describe how they would forage for food in a benthic environment. |
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Definition
| In benthic habitats, Belugas can produce both suction and a strong jet of water with their mouths which (like walruses)may dislodge prey from the ocean floor. |
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Term
| Beluga whale feed in both benethic and pelagic habitats. Describe how they would forage for food in a pelagic environment. |
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Definition
| In pelagic habitats, Beluga Whales hunt schools of fish. In groups of five or more belugas herd fish into shallow water before attacking. |
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Term
| What color are Beluga Whale calves and why is this important? |
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Definition
| Newborn Beluga whale calves are born gray which darkens within the first month. This coloration is thought to provide camouflage as the calf swims in its mother shadow. The calves gradually lighten in color as they mature. |
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Term
| Beluga Whales are listed as "near threatened" by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. What factors may contribute to their decline? |
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Definition
Initially the Beluga Whale population decline was linked to overhunting by humans. Their continued decline may be due to:
a decrease in the availability of salmon and other prey fish,
Diminishing habitat quality due to human development,
Pollution from industrial activites,
Oil and gas exploration, development and production,
Increased predation by Killer Whales,
Increased mortality from disease,
Increased mortality from stranding. |
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