We have assembled a number of interesting facts for your use. Our humpback whale discovery cards provide this informaion along with photos and illustrations. Humpbacks are distinguished from other large whales primarily by their very long pectoral fins which are about one-third of their body length. They also have a flat head with golf ball size bumps called tubercles and commonly raise their flukes when diving. Mammals, including humans, are warm-blooded, have hair, breathe air into lungs, give live birth, and nurse their young.
Marine mammals live much or all their lives in water.
Nearly all live in the ocean, but some inhabit primarily fresh water. Whales evolved from four-legged land dwellers who lived over 50 million years ago. To better exploit rich marine food resources, they adapted by retaining certain useful traits through a gradual natural selection process. Their hind feet shrank, eventually disappearing and tails grew into flukes for swimming. The snout extended, raising the nostrils on top of the head to make breathing at the surface easier.