Science 7 B - Walking and Swimming Whales quick check answers

Answer 1

1. What is one reason that scientists think whales evolved from land mammals?
- Fossil evidence shows that early whales had features like legs and hips similar to those of land mammals.

2. How do whales use blubber to survive in cold water?
- Blubber is a thick layer of fat that helps whales insulate their bodies and maintain a steady body temperature in cold water.

3. What is a unique adaptation that allows whales to breathe air while living in water?
- Whales have blowholes on top of their heads that they use to surface and take quick breaths of air while swimming.

4. How do whales use their tails to swim efficiently?
- Whales use their powerful tails, or flukes, to propel themselves through the water with strong, rhythmic movements.