MN115+Beluga+Whales

MN115

Beluga Whales 10/30- Fake Facts [|__https://www.vanaqua.org/files/2413/1923/4886/indy-feeding-belugas-crop.jpg__] [|__http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/73/33/8c/73338ce7ac4a782572e9d51e765dc8f1.jpg__] [|__http://scienceblogs.com/zooillogix/wp-content/blogs.dir/253/files/2012/04/i-8f5850a1b84f3b01b96fc64ca1838acd-fat%20dolphin%201.jpg__]
 * Links to Picture:**

[|__http://www.whalefacts.org/beluga-whale-facts/__] [|__http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/beluga-whale/?source=A-to-Z__] [|__http://www.mysticaquarium.org/images/documents/belugafactsheet.pdf__]
 * Links/References:**

=Introduction= ====The Beluga whale, also known as the brown whale, is a part of the cetacean species. The cetacean species include, all kinds of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. It's scientific name is //"Delphinapterus leucas".// It is one of the smallest of these marine animals. They are very anti-social. Belugas have an average lifespa n of 35 to 50 years of age. Although they have a diet of just fish, crustaceans, and worms, they can weigh from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. Their sizes vary from 6 to 70 feet. Like other whales, the belugas don't have a flexible neck and can't move their heads around in different directions. Beluga whales are marine mammals, which refers to the fact that they are warm blooded and breathe air. This also means that they produce milk to feed their young and give birth. Beluga babies are called calves. Their calves are born grey or even brown and later turn white.They have dorsal fins which helps them steer their bodies and move them around better. ====

= Adaptation to Climate = ==== Arctic Belugas migrate southward in large herds when the sea freezes over. Even though they live in such cold climates, they are not able to adapt to living in such freezing temperatures. They prefer to live in shallow waters than the deep. During freezing climates, belugas are able to find pockets of air while under freezing water in order to obtain oxygen. While the maximum amount of time a beluga whale can hold its breath for is unknown, they have been recorded holding their breaths for over 17 minutes. ====

= Predators = ====These marine mammals are a protected species and hunting them is considered illegal, however some countries and indigenous peoples are still allowed to hunt them in limited numbers for food and raw material. Beluga whales are known to face no threats from natural predators such as killer whales and polar bears.====



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