1. Flukes (Tail Fins):
- Humpback whales have large and powerful flukes (tail fins) that propel them through the water.
- The flukes provide thrust for swimming, allowing the whales to move efficiently through the ocean.
- The flukes also help in breaching, where humpback whales leap out of the water and land back with a loud slap.
2. Flippers:
- Humpback whales have long and modified flippers, which are their forelimbs.
- The flippers are used for steering, maneuvering, and maintaining balance while swimming.
- Humpback whales also use their flippers to communicate and interact with other whales by slapping the water's surface.
3. Baleen Plates:
- Humpback whales have baleen plates instead of teeth.
- Baleen plates are flexible and keratinized structures hanging from the upper jaw.
- The whales use baleen to filter-feed on krill, plankton, and small fish by straining them from the water.
4. Blowhole:
- Humpback whales have a blowhole, located on the top of their head, through which they breathe.
- The blowhole allows the whale to take in oxygen while swimming at the ocean's surface.
- When a whale exhales, the air and water vapor from the lungs are forced out through the blowhole, creating the distinctive spout associated with whales.
5. Dorsal Fin:
- Humpback whales have a large and distinctive dorsal fin located on their back.
- The dorsal fin helps in stabilizing the whale's body while swimming.
- It is also believed that the shape and size of the dorsal fin may be unique to each whale, aiding in individual identification.
These body parts play vital roles in the survival of humpback whales, enabling them to navigate, feed, communicate, breathe, and move effectively in their marine environment.