Whales are magnificent creatures. Not only are they highly intelligent, complex communicators, and the largest living animals on our planet, but they also protect us and the environment by providing the nutrients that help phytoplankton (tiny marine organisms that use photosynthesis) produce more than 50% of the world’s oxygen. Did you know that all species of whales are grouped into just two suborders? There are 76 species of odontocetes (toothed whales), which use teeth to hunt for prey, and 14 species of mysticetes (baleen whales), which use baleen plates to filter food from the water. Baleen consists of bristle-like structures made from keratin—the same protein that makes human hair and fingernails. Baleen whales evolved from toothed whales, and they are some of the largest animal species on Earth. Toothed whales, on the other hand, are smaller on average, and this group also contains dolphins and porpoises. While baleen whales eat tiny organisms like krill and zooplankton, toothed whales feed on larger animals like fish and squid. Here are some different types of whales within these two groups, how to identify them, and what makes them so unique.

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