Whale Anatomy Worksheet
Explore the unique anatomical adaptations of whales, including their skeletal structure, respiratory system, and sensory organs, at a Grade 12 biology level.
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Whale Anatomy Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and provide detailed answers based on your knowledge of whale anatomy and adaptations.
1. Which of the following is a primary adaptation that allows whales to dive to extreme depths without suffering from decompression sickness?
Presence of gills for efficient oxygen extraction.
Collapsing lungs and a flexible ribcage.
A highly developed sense of smell for prey detection.
External ear flaps for directional hearing.
2. Baleen plates in mysticetes are homologous to what structure in terrestrial mammals?
Hair/fur
Teeth
Nails/claws
Bone
3. The primary organ for buoyancy control in whales, analogous to the swim bladder in fish, is the .
4. Whales possess a thick layer of fat called , which serves as insulation and an energy reserve.
5. Describe the unique adaptations of a whale's circulatory system that enable it to withstand prolonged periods of apnea during dives.
6. Odontocetes (toothed whales) use echolocation for navigation and hunting.
True
False
7. Whales have external hind limbs, though they are vestigial and serve no current function.
True
False
8. Compare and contrast the feeding mechanisms and associated anatomical structures of baleen whales (Mysticeti) and toothed whales (Odontoceti). Discuss how these differences reflect their evolutionary divergence and ecological niches.
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