baleens
Baleens are specialized structures found in the mouths of certain marine mammals, particularly baleen whales, which are used for filtering food from water. These structures are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails, and are highly elastic and flexible. Baleens are typically composed of two to four plates, which are attached to the upper jaw and extend down to the lower jaw. The plates are made up of dense, interwoven fibers that form a sieve-like structure, allowing water to flow through while trapping small prey such as krill, small fish, and plankton.
The term "baleen" comes from the Old English word "bala," meaning "whale," and the suffix "-en," indicating
Baleen whales are divided into two main groups: mysticetes and odontocetes. Mysticetes, which include blue whales,
The presence of baleens is a key characteristic that distinguishes baleen whales from other marine mammals.