Cetaceans (Cetacea) are a remarkable order of fully aquatic mammals that include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. They are known for their streamlined bodies, advanced echolocation abilities, and breath-holding capabilities. This group is divided into several families, each with distinctive characteristics and representative species.
- Dolphins: Delphinidae: Members of the family Delphinidae, dolphins are highly intelligent, social, and acrobatic cetaceans. They possess a well-developed echolocation system and are found in oceans and some rivers worldwide.
- Whales: Balaenopteridae: The family Balaenopteridae includes the rorqual whales, such as blue whales and humpback whales. These are some of the largest animals on Earth, known for their baleen plates used to filter-feed microscopic prey.
- Porpoises: Phocoenidae: Porpoises, in the family Phocoenidae, are small, robust, and less acrobatic compared to dolphins. They have spade-shaped teeth and are generally more shy and elusive.
Dolphins, whales, and porpoises are all cetaceans.
Dolphins are members of the family *Delphinidae*.
Cetaceans have echolocation, are fully aquatic, and breathe through blowholes.
Porpoises belong to the family *Phocoenidae*.