cete

Cete refers to a group of marine mammals known as cetaceans. This order encompasses whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetaceans are characterized by their fully aquatic lifestyle, streamlined bodies, and horizontal tail flukes for propulsion. They breathe air through blowholes located on the top of their heads. Cetaceans are further divided into two suborders: Odontocetes (toothed whales) and Mysticetes (baleen whales). Toothed whales, like dolphins and orcas, possess teeth and typically hunt individual prey. Baleen whales, such as blue whales and humpback whales, have baleen plates in their mouths instead of teeth, which they use to filter small organisms from the water. These animals are found in oceans worldwide, inhabiting diverse environments from polar regions to tropical waters. They exhibit complex social behaviors, sophisticated communication methods, and remarkable migratory patterns. Conservation efforts are in place for many cetacean species due to threats like habitat degradation, pollution, and historical whaling.