Without a dorsal fin, they have less surface area for heat loss, and can more easily swim just below ice sheets to locate breathing holes. Dorsal Finīeluga whales lack a dorsal fin. These reduced hind limbs are not connected to the vertebral column.
Hind LimbsĪll traces of hind limbs have disappeared except for two reduced, rod-shaped pelvic bones, which are buried deep in body muscle. Like the arteries of the flippers, the arteries of the flukes are surrounded by veins to help maintain body temperature. Longitudinal muscles of the back (both above and below the spine) and caudal peduncle move the flukes up and down. The flukes of beluga whales are distinctly curved along the trailing edges. A deep median notch separates the two flukes.įlukes are flattened pads of tough, dense, fibrous connective tissue - completely without bone. FlukesĮach lobe of the tail is called a fluke. They're rounded, paddle-like, and slightly upcurled at the tips.īeluga whales use their pectoral flippers mainly to steer and, with the help of the flukes, to stop. The pectoral flippers are small in proportion to the body. Connective tissue lies between the digits. Thick cartilage pads lie lengthwise between the bones of each digit. The skeletal elements are rigidly supported by connective tissue. Pectoral flippers have the major skeletal elements of the forelimbs of land mammals, but they're shortened and modified. Pectoral FlippersĪ beluga whale's forelimbs are pectoral flippers. It may have thick folds of blubber, especially along its ventral surface.īeluga whales are robust and stocky with thick folds of blubber. Body ShapeĪ beluga whale's body is fusiform, but robust and stocky.
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