Difference Between Dolphins and Whales

Dolphins vs Whales

Both dolphins and whales belong to the Cetacea group. This group has been divided into two groups; toothed whales and baleen whales. Dolphins belong to the toothed whale group whereas the blue whale, fin whale, and humpback whales belong to the other category.

While dolphins belong to the Odontoceti suborder, baleen whales belong to the Mysticeti suborder. When comparing the size, whales are the largest mammals on Earth. Blue whales, which are the largest of all whales, have a length of 80 to 100 feet whereas dolphins come in lengths of 6 to 12 feet.

As said earlier, one of the main differences that can be seen is that dolphins have teeth whereas baleen whales do not have teeth. This type of whales just have a row of plates. The toothed whales do not use their teeth for chewing food but for tearing the prey into small pieces for smooth swallowing.
When comparing the movement, dolphins are fast swimmers. The whales have a slow pace as they have large bodies. The dolphins are more agile than whales.
Whales mainly thrive on plankton, krill, small sea life, and small crustaceans. The baleen whales use the method of filtering for catching the prey. The whales open their mouths and get water into their mouths. After this, the water is drained through the sleeves by which the food remains back inside their mouths. Dolphins are known to thrive on fish and large sea animals.

One can also come across differences in the social behavior between whales and dolphins. Whales tend to move alone unless they are migrating or mating. On the contrary, dolphins swim in groups. The dolphins love to live together.

Summary:

1.Dolphins belong to the toothed whale group whereas blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales belong to the other category.
2.Blue whales, which are the largest of all whales, have a length of 80 to 100 feet whereas dolphins come in lengths of 6 to 12 feet.
3.The main differences that can be seen is that dolphins have teeth whereas baleen whales do not have teeth.
4.Dolphins are fast swimmers. The whales have a slow pace as they have large bodies.
5.Whales mainly thrive on plankton, krill, small sea life, and small crustaceans. Dolphins are known to thrive on fish and large sea animals.
6.Whales tend to move alone unless they are migrating or mating. On the contrary, dolphins swim in groups. The dolphins love to live together.

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