Baleen is a filter-feeding system inside the mouths of baleen whales. To use baleen, the whale first opens its mouth underwater to take in water. The whale then pushes the water out, and animals such as krill are filtered by the baleen and remain as a food source for the whale.

Baleen whales (/ b ə ˈ l iː n /), also known as whalebone whales, are marine mammals of the parvorder Mysticeti in the infraorder Cetacea (whales, dolphins and porpoises), which use baleen plates (or "whalebone") in their mouths to sieve plankton from the water.

All baleen whales have baleen instead of teeth which they use to collect shrimp-like krill, plankton and small fish from the sea. These bristly baleen plates filter, sift, sieve or trap the whales’ favourite prey from seawater inside their mouths. Baleen is made out of keratin, the same protein that makes up our fingernails and hair.

Mar 7, 2025 · baleen whale, (suborder Mysticeti), any cetacean possessing unique epidermal modifications of the mouth called baleen, which is used to filter food from water. Baleen whales seek out concentrations of small planktonic animals.

Baleen is the series of fringed plates hanging in their mouths that they use to strain the seawater for food. Baleen was used in a number of consumer products, such as corsets. Here, a researcher examines the baleen from a whale that washed up on the beach.

Jan 7, 2025 · Baleen whales, also called whalebone whales, are a group of marine mammals distinguished by numerous keratinized plates (instead of teeth) called baleen hanging from their upper jaw.

Baleen whales are the largest whales, and include the world's largest animal, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Filter feeders, they are generally seen as gentle animals, a sighting of which adds to the wonder of nature for humans. Their grace, intelligence, and massive size has led to their being celebrated in art, music, and literature.

Baleen whales have plates with coarse bristles for filter feeding. Learn how baleen whales differ from toothed whales that hunt squid and other prey.

Oct 25, 2024 · There are 15 species of baleen whales compared to 77 species of toothed whales. Baleen whales are generally larger, with the blue whale being the largest whale in our oceans. Most baleen whales are migratory, moving between cold, polar waters that support large populations of prey and warmer waters that they use for breeding.

Feb 15, 2021 · They are divided into two groups–baleen and teethed–based on the structure that is in their mouth. Obviously, teeth are similar to human teeth, but baleen is a very unique structure. It is made of keratin, which is the same thing your hair and fingernails are made of.