Whales, belonging to the class Mammalia, are remarkable marine mammals known for their immense size, intelligence, and complex social behaviors. These magnificent creatures are divided into two main groups: baleen whales, which filter-feed on small organisms like krill using baleen plates, and toothed whales, which include species like orcas and sperm whales that hunt larger prey.

Whales are found in oceans worldwide, from the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctic to the warmer tropical seas. They play critical roles in marine ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling through their waste and influencing the structure of marine food webs.

Whales communicate through sophisticated vocalizations, which can travel long distances underwater, and exhibit behaviors such as breaching and spy-hopping.

Despite their ecological importance and cultural significance, many whale species face threats from whaling, entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and the impacts of climate change, making conservation efforts vital for their protection and the health of ocean ecosystems.