GRAY WHALE Meaning and
Definition
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The gray whale, also known by its scientific name Eschrichtius robustus, is a species of baleen whale that belongs to the cetacean family. It is considered one of the most iconic marine mammals and is widely distributed throughout the North Pacific Ocean. The dictionary definition of a gray whale describes it as a large, robust marine mammal with a distinctive mottled gray coloration, hence its common name.
Gray whales are known for their impressive size, reaching lengths of up to 14-15 meters and weighing approximately 30-40 tons. They possess a streamlined body, characterized by a hump and a series of knuckles along their back. These whales also feature a unique row of baleen plates in their mouths instead of teeth, which they use to filter small invertebrates and crustaceans from the water as they feed.
One remarkable aspect of the gray whale's behavior is its annual migration, considered one of the longest known mammalian migrations. Every year, these whales embark on an arduous journey from their feeding grounds in the cold, productive waters of the Arctic to the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California, Mexico, where they breed and give birth to their young.
The conservation status of the gray whale is currently listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, due to historical commercial whaling impacts, this species experienced a significant population decline. Fortunately, protective measures and conservation efforts have led to a gradual recovery, and the gray whale population is steadily increasing.
Common Misspellings for GRAY WHALE
- fray whale
- vray whale
- bray whale
- hray whale
- yray whale
- tray whale
- geay whale
- gday whale
- gfay whale
- gtay whale
- g5ay whale
- g4ay whale
- grzy whale
- grsy whale
- grwy whale
- grqy whale
- grat whale
- grag whale
- grah whale
- graywhale
Etymology of GRAY WHALE
The word "gray" in "gray whale" comes from the Old English word "grǣg", which means "gray" or "ashen". This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "graujaz". The word "whale" comes from the Old English word "hwæl", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hwalaz". Therefore, "gray whale" refers to the color and the species of the whale.
Similar spelling words for GRAY WHALE
