Home PageSite MapSite Map

E N C Y C L O P E D I A

Porpoise

The porpoises are small cetaceans of the family Phocoenidae; they are related to whales and dolphins.

They are, however distinct from dolphins, although the word "porpoise" is often used to refer to any small dolphin, especially in North America. A key difference is the shape of the teeth, which in dolphins are conical, whereas porpoises have spade-shaped teeth.

Porpoises tend to be smaller but stouter than dolphins. They have small, rounded heads and no beaks. In addition, a porpoise's dorsal fin is generally triangular, rather than curved like that of many dolphins.

Porpoises tend to be less acrobatic and more wary than dolphins; several species are under threat from man's activities.

Taxonomy

Photographs, illustrations and Clip Art at Classroom ClipArt.com

This article is from Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
   

Home       Clip Art      Games        Encyclopedia       Links     Educators Central      Lesson Plan Central