Why Dolphins And Whales Have Blow Holes
By: NDTVNewsDesk
Image: Pexels
Dolphins and whales have blowholes because they are air-breathing mammals with lungs, not gills.
Image: Pexels
The blowhole is a specialised nostril on the top of their head that allows them to breathe efficiently while swimming.
Image: Pexels
This placement minimises the time they must spend at the water's surface to take a breath.
Image: Pexels
This adaptation helps whales and dolphins to conserve energy and avoid predators.
Image: Pexels
When underwater, strong muscles seal the blowhole tightly to prevent water from entering the lungs.
Image: Pexels
Both are mammals, meaning they are warm-blooded, give birth to live young, and nurse their offspring.
Image: Pexels
They have a streamlined body, a dorsal fin, pectoral flippers, and horizontal tail flukes for propulsion.
Image: Pexels
Both are highly intelligent, with large brains, social behaviours, and complex communication.
Image: Pexels
ndtv.com