BEAKED WHALE Meaning and
Definition
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A beaked whale is a type of marine mammal belonging to the family Ziphiidae, characterized by their distinctively long and slender beak-like snout. These whales are known for their elusive nature, spending most of their lives in deep, open ocean waters, making them relatively difficult to study and observe. The term "beaked whale" encompasses over 20 different species, including the well-known bottlenose whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, and Blainville's beaked whale.
This family of cetaceans derives its name from their prominent beak, which is elongated and slender, resembling a dolphin's snout. Their beaks are not only used for breaking through the water's surface but also for hunting and feeding on deep-sea prey, such as squid, fish, and deep-water invertebrates. Beaked whales are also recognized for their unique diving capabilities, often diving to incredible depths of over 2,000 meters and staying submerged for extended periods, potentially exceeding an hour.
These whales are generally characterized by their relatively smaller size compared to other whale species, ranging from 4 to 13 meters in length depending on the species. Their bodies are streamlined, allowing them to navigate swiftly through the water. Beaked whales are known for their distinctive dorsal fin, which varies in shape and size among species.
Due to their deep-sea habitats and elusive nature, beaked whales remain largely mysterious to researchers and scientists. Their populations face threats from human activities, including entanglement in fishing gear, noise pollution from naval sonar, and habitat degradation due to pollution. Efforts to protect and conserve these remarkable marine creatures are essential for their survival and future study.
Common Misspellings for BEAKED WHALE
- veaked whale
- neaked whale
- heaked whale
- geaked whale
- bwaked whale
- bsaked whale
- bdaked whale
- braked whale
- b4aked whale
- b3aked whale
- bezked whale
- besked whale
- bewked whale
- beqked whale
- beajed whale
- beamed whale
- bealed whale
- beaoed whale
- beaied whale
Etymology of BEAKED WHALE
The word "beaked" in "beaked whale" refers to the distinctive beak-like snout or rostrum found in these types of whales. The etymology of the word "beak" itself goes back to the Old English word "bec", which means "beak" or "bill" and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bekkaz". This word is related to the Old Norse word "bekkr" and the Old High German word "pehh", all meaning "beak" or "mouth". The use of "beaked" as an adjective describing whales with a beak-like snout was likely a natural and descriptive extension of the term.
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