How many species of whale are there?

There are around 89 recognized species of whales worldwide, belonging to the order Cetacea. This includes both toothed whales (Odontoceti), such as dolphins and porpoises, and baleen whales (Mysticeti), which are distinguished by the presence of baleen plates used for filter feeding. The diversity of whale species ranges from smaller species like the dwarf sperm whale, which can be less than 4 feet long, to the massive blue whale, which can reach up to 100 feet in length and is regarded as the largest animal to have ever lived. Each species is unique in its characteristics, habitat, and behaviors, forming an important part of various marine ecosystems