2.1
Whales
Whales (Cetacea) are probably the most well-known group of marine mammal
species. Depending on taxonomic classification, between 80 and 90 different species
exist. By and large it is assumed that at least 84 different cetacean species exist,
although new classification methods allow for more detailed analyses and determination of species. Whales are being subdivided into two subgroups: baleen whales
(Mysticeti) and toothed whales (Odontoceti). Baleen whales numerically constitute
the smaller group of whales although this group contains the largest known
mammals on Earth. The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), for instance, with
33 m body length holds the record of the largest living animal.
Baleen whales themselves are subdivided into three sub-families: rorquals
(Balaenopteridae), right whales (Balaenidae), and gray whales (Eschrichtiidae).
Additionally, another family might exist, Cetotheriopsidae, which the pygmy right
whale (Caperea marginata) might be a member of. Yet, this is subject to further
inquiry since genetic studies have not succeeded in fully agreeing on the classification of this whale species.
Toothed whales comprise at least 71 species, which are subdivided into several
sub-groups: dolphins (Delphinidae), beaked whales (Ziphoidae), sperm whales
(Physeteroidae) and Monodontidae, which comprises the narwhal (Monodon
monoceros) and the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). The genetic affiliation
of river dolphins has not been conclusively been resolved. Toothed whales are rather
small cetacean species. The Hector dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), for example,
reaches a maximum length of 1.5 m. The exception are the sperm whale whose males
can reach up to 18 m in length, as well as larger species of beaked whales (Berardius
and Hyperoodon spp.).
2
In public discourse, ‘the whale’ is often ascribed human-like, anthropogenic
characteristics. ‘The whale’ is thus a social animal of high intelligence, has developed characteristics that some classify as cultures, and it sings songs for communication. Moreover, ‘the whale’ is critically endangered because of commercial
exploitation in the past and due to climate change. These narratives are widely
reflected in a multitude of different socio-cultural outlets, particularly in the Western
world, and have significantly influenced the discourse on whales and whaling
throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
3 The dissemination of whale songs in modern
pop culture is a reflection of this presentation of whales. The Norwegian anthropologist Arne Kalland has coined the term ‘superwhale’ in this context, which negates
the diversity of whale species and which only exists in human consciousness.
4 Along
with this narrative goes the view that from an ecological and moral perspective,
whales should not be killed for human consumption. In public discourse the consumption of whale meat is, at least in the Western world, not acceptable.
2 Ballance (2008), pp. 196–201.
3 Epstein (2008).
4 Kalland (2009).
14
2 Marine Mammals: Some Basics
Whales
Whales (Cetacea) are probably the most well-known group of marine mammal
species. Depending on taxonomic classification, between 80 and 90 different species
exist. By and large it is assumed that at least 84 different cetacean species exist,
although new classification methods allow for more detailed analyses and determination of species. Whales are being subdivided into two subgroups: baleen whales
(Mysticeti) and toothed whales (Odontoceti). Baleen whales numerically constitute
the smaller group of whales although this group contains the largest known
mammals on Earth. The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), for instance, with
33 m body length holds the record of the largest living animal.
Baleen whales themselves are subdivided into three sub-families: rorquals
(Balaenopteridae), right whales (Balaenidae), and gray whales (Eschrichtiidae).
Additionally, another family might exist, Cetotheriopsidae, which the pygmy right
whale (Caperea marginata) might be a member of. Yet, this is subject to further
inquiry since genetic studies have not succeeded in fully agreeing on the classification of this whale species.
Toothed whales comprise at least 71 species, which are subdivided into several
sub-groups: dolphins (Delphinidae), beaked whales (Ziphoidae), sperm whales
(Physeteroidae) and Monodontidae, which comprises the narwhal (Monodon
monoceros) and the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). The genetic affiliation
of river dolphins has not been conclusively been resolved. Toothed whales are rather
small cetacean species. The Hector dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori), for example,
reaches a maximum length of 1.5 m. The exception are the sperm whale whose males
can reach up to 18 m in length, as well as larger species of beaked whales (Berardius
and Hyperoodon spp.).
2
In public discourse, ‘the whale’ is often ascribed human-like, anthropogenic
characteristics. ‘The whale’ is thus a social animal of high intelligence, has developed characteristics that some classify as cultures, and it sings songs for communication. Moreover, ‘the whale’ is critically endangered because of commercial
exploitation in the past and due to climate change. These narratives are widely
reflected in a multitude of different socio-cultural outlets, particularly in the Western
world, and have significantly influenced the discourse on whales and whaling
throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
3 The dissemination of whale songs in modern
pop culture is a reflection of this presentation of whales. The Norwegian anthropologist Arne Kalland has coined the term ‘superwhale’ in this context, which negates
the diversity of whale species and which only exists in human consciousness.
4 Along
with this narrative goes the view that from an ecological and moral perspective,
whales should not be killed for human consumption. In public discourse the consumption of whale meat is, at least in the Western world, not acceptable.
2 Ballance (2008), pp. 196–201.
3 Epstein (2008).
4 Kalland (2009).
14
2 Marine Mammals: Some Basics