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Humpback Whale

 

Humpback Whale


Context: A 23-year-old Venezuelan kayaker was briefly engulfed by a humpback whale while kayaking in the Strait of Magellan, Chile. The whale mistook the kayak for prey but released the kayaker unharmed within seconds.

What is a Humpback Whale?

The humpback whale (scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the most fascinating creatures in the marine world. Known for their acrobatic breaches, complex vocalizations, and long-distance migrations, these baleen whales are icons of marine biodiversity.

Size and Weight:

  • Humpback whales can grow to lengths of 12–16 meters (39–52 feet) and can weigh up to 36 metric tons.
  • Despite their massive size, these whales are agile and frequently breach (leap) out of the water.

Classification of Whales

Whales are classified into two primary families:

  1. Baleen Whales (Mysticeti):

    • Includes species like humpback whales, blue whales, and grey whales.
    • They possess baleen plates instead of teeth. Baleen plates are comb-like structures that filter food from seawater.
    • Baleen whales primarily feed on plankton and small fish.

  2. Toothed Whales (Odontoceti):

    • Includes sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales (orcas), and dolphins.
    • Toothed whales are predators, using teeth to hunt larger prey such as fish and squid.

Feeding Habits of Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are primarily filter-feeders, consuming krill, plankton, and small fish.

Feeding Technique:

  • They use their baleen plates to trap prey.
  • One of their most unique feeding behaviors is bubble-net feeding, in which the whale blows spirals of bubbles to encircle and trap prey. Once prey is concentrated in the "net," the whale swims upward with its mouth open to consume the trapped prey.

Distribution and Habitat

Humpback whales are cosmopolitan, found in all major oceans across the globe.

  1. Feeding Grounds: Typically located in polar regions, where they consume vast amounts of food to store fat for migration.
  2. Breeding Grounds: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, where humpbacks give birth and nurse their calves.
  3. Migration: Humpbacks are famous for their annual migrations of thousands of kilometers between feeding and breeding zones.

Behavior and Communication

Humpback whales are known for their fascinating behaviors and communication methods.

1. Breaching:
Humpbacks often leap out of the water and land with a splash. This behavior may serve multiple purposes:

  • Communication: Breaches produce loud sounds that may be used to communicate over long distances.
  • Parasite Removal: The force of landing can help dislodge parasites from their skin.

2. Songs:

  • Male humpback whales are known for their long, complex songs that can last for hours.
  • These songs are believed to play a role in mating, helping males attract potential mates.
  • Interestingly, humpback whale songs evolve over time, with different populations exhibiting distinct song patterns each year.

Conservation Status

The humpback whale is listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List due to past hunting and ongoing threats like entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and habitat changes caused by climate change.

Conservation Efforts:

  • International efforts, including the ban on commercial whaling and the establishment of marine protected areas, have contributed to the partial recovery of humpback whale populations.
  • Continued conservation actions are critical to ensuring the species’ survival.

Unique Incident: Kayaker Swallowed by a Whale

The incident involving the Venezuelan kayaker highlights the unpredictability of marine wildlife encounters. Although rare, whales can sometimes mistake small boats or kayaks for prey due to their size and movement. The kayaker’s survival underscores the need for increased awareness and caution when kayaking or boating in whale habitats.

MCQs for UPSC CSE

1. What is the primary purpose of the baleen plates in humpback whales?
A) Communication
B) Breeding
C) Filter-feeding
D) Parasite removal
Answer: C) Filter-feeding

2. What is the scientific name of the humpback whale?
A) Balaenoptera musculus
B) Megaptera novaeangliae
C) Physeter macrocephalus
D) Orcinus orca
Answer: B) Megaptera novaeangliae

3. Which feeding behavior is unique to humpback whales?
A) Echo-location
B) Surface skimming
C) Bubble-net feeding
D) Ambush hunting
Answer: C) Bubble-net feeding

4. Which of the following is a feature of humpback whale songs?
A) Only males sing
B) Songs last for only a few seconds
C) Songs are used for navigation
D) Only calves sing
Answer: A) Only males sing

5. Humpback whales are listed under which category on the IUCN Red List?
A) Endangered
B) Vulnerable
C) Near Threatened
D) Critically Endangered
Answer: B) Vulnerable

Mains Questions

1. Explain the behavioral and ecological significance of humpback whale songs and breaches. How do these behaviors aid in survival and reproduction?

2. Discuss the threats faced by humpback whales and the global conservation measures being taken to protect this species.

This comprehensive post provides insights into the fascinating lives of humpback whales, emphasizing their conservation and unique adaptations. Stay tuned for more marine life updates and conservation stories!

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