📖 what
What is a cetacean blowhole?
AnimalsAnatomy
Quick Answer
A blowhole is the nostril opening on top of a whale or dolphin’s head used for breathing at the surface. It is an adaptation for life in water.
The Full Story
In cetaceans, the nostrils migrated from the front of the snout to the top of the head over evolutionary time. This makes it easier for whales and dolphins to breathe while keeping most of the body submerged. The blowhole closes tightly when the animal dives and opens at the surface to exhale and inhale quickly. Different cetacean species have one or two blowholes depending on their lineage.
Key Facts
1.Blowholes are nostrils adapted for aquatic breathing
2.Most toothed whales have one blowhole
3.Baleen whales generally have two
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The whale nostril that moved to the top of the head"