Toothed whale

Toothed whales are a major group of cetaceans, also known as odontocetes, that includes dolphins, porpoises, sperm whales, beaked whales, narwhals, belugas, and river dolphins.

Toothed whales are a major group of cetaceans, also known as odontocetes, that includes dolphins, porpoises, sperm whales, beaked whales, narwhals, belugas, and river dolphins. They are distinguished from baleen whales by having teeth rather than baleen and by their use of echolocation in many species. Modern sources describe roughly 73 to 75 living species, depending on taxonomic treatment.

Classification

Toothed whales are classified as the parvorder Odontoceti within the cetaceans. The group includes dolphins, porpoises, sperm whales, beaked whales, narwhals, belugas, and several other lineages.

Anatomy and feeding

A defining trait of toothed whales is the presence of teeth instead of baleen. They generally capture individual prey items such as fish, squid, and other marine animals, and some species have specialised teeth or reduced adult dentition.

Echolocation and senses

Many toothed whales use echolocation, producing sounds and interpreting echoes to locate prey and navigate. Sources also note adaptations such as a single blowhole and an asymmetrical skull associated with sound production and underwater sensing.

Diversity and distribution

Modern estimates place toothed whales at roughly 73 to 75 living species, making them the most species-rich whale group. They occur in oceans worldwide and in some freshwater systems.