There are around 80 different types of cetaceans around the world that are divided into two main categories. 1. those with teeth, 2. and those that do not have teeth. Humpback whales do not have teeth, instead they have baleen plates. Baleen plates are like bristles from a broom and are made from keratin (the same material that makes up our hair, finger nails and outer skin). The baleen plates hang from the upper jaw of the whale and have stiff hairs that form a filter for food. Baleen whales feed by opening up their mouths, gulping masses of food and water, closing the jaw and squeezing the water out.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 09:05:35 +0000