whale
Japanese Name:
鯨
Romaji Name:
kujira
Description
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A whale is a large marine mammal with a streamlined body, a thick layer of blubber for warmth, and a horizontal tail fluke for swimming. Whales breathe air through a blowhole on top of their heads and can be found in oceans around the world.
History
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Whales have a long evolutionary history, with their ancestors originating about 50 million years ago. They evolved from land-dwelling mammals called artiodactyls (even-toed ungulates), which are related to modern-day hippos. Over millions of years, these early ancestors adapted to life in the water, with significant changes in their body structure, including the development of streamlined bodies, flippers, and the loss of hind limbs.
Whales have held significant cultural importance in various societies throughout history. In many Indigenous cultures, particularly in the Arctic and Pacific regions, whales were viewed as important symbols of strength, wisdom, and connection to nature. They played a central role in the survival of many coastal communities, providing not only meat but also oil, bones, and other materials used for tools, clothing, and art.