cétacés

Cétacés are a diverse group of marine mammals that include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. These highly intelligent animals are characterized by their streamlined bodies, horizontal tail flukes used for propulsion, and a blowhole on top of their heads for breathing. Their forelimbs have evolved into flippers, while their hind limbs are vestigial and internal. Cétacés are found in all the world's oceans, from polar waters to the tropics. They exhibit a wide range of sizes, from the massive blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, to smaller species of dolphins and porpoises. Their diet varies greatly, with some species being filter feeders that consume krill and small fish, while others are active predators of larger fish, squid, and even other marine mammals. Cétacés are known for their complex social structures and sophisticated communication methods, often involving a variety of clicks, whistles, and songs. Two suborders of cétacés are recognized: Odontoceti, or toothed whales, which possess teeth and use echolocation to navigate and hunt, and Mysticeti, or baleen whales, which have baleen plates instead of teeth for straining food from the water. Many cétacé species are endangered due to historical whaling, pollution, and habitat degradation, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival.