There are many species of whales that are in danger of going extinct. Most baleen whales (the huge whales targeted by commercial whalers) are listed as endangered or protected species. Most other whale species are doing well and are not endangered.
Complex whales songs can be heard for miles under the water. The songs are thought to be used in attracting mates, to keep track of offspring, and for the toothed whales, to locate prey.
Whales swim by moving their muscular tail (flukes) up and down. Fish swim by moving their tails left and right.
Killer whales and Shortfin Pilot whales are the fastest, swimming up to 30 miles per hour (48 kph).
Basilosaurus
a very primitive, extinct whale, had a tiny head and pointed snout with teeth, unlike modern-day whales which have large heads and a blunter snout. It was about 82 feet (25 m) long.