Cetacea

Mysticeti

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Odontoceti

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The order Cetacea includes whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Related Topics:
Whales - Dolphins - Porpoises

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Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal," was more general. It comes from Greek ketos ("sea monster"). Cetology is the branch of marine science associated with the study of cetaceans.

Related Topics:
Latin - Greek - Sea monster - Cetology

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Cetaceans are the mammals most fully adapted to aquatic life. Their body is fusiform (spindle-shaped). The forelimbs are modified into flippers. The tiny hindlimbs are vestigial, they do not attach to the backbone and are hidden within the body. The tail has horizontal flukes.

Related Topics:
Mammal - Adapted to aquatic

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Cetaceans are nearly hairless, and are insulated by a thick layer of blubber.

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The order Cetacea contains eighty-one known species, divided into two suborders, Mysticeti (baleen whales) and Odontoceti (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises).

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