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Alejandro Duvieilh   cc-by-nc-4.0

Pontoporiidae is a family of mammals. They rely on lift powered swimming to move around.

  • URI: https://eol.org/schema/terms/lift_based_swimming
  • Definition: Hydrofoils, or fins, are used to push against the water to create a normal force to provide thrust, propelling the animal through water. The reduction of fin cross-sectional area helps to minimize drag, and therefore increase efficiency. Regardless of size of the animal, at any particular speed, maximum possible lift is proportional to (wing area) x (speed)<sup>2</sup>. Dolphins and whales have large, horizontal caudal hydrofoils, while many fish and sharks have vertical caudal hydrofoils.
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EOL has data for 20 attributes, including:

Known occurrences, collected specimens and observations of Pontoporiidae. View this species on GBIF
Alejandro Duvieilh   cc-by-nc-4.0

Pontoporiidae Habitats

The environments in which many Pontoporiidae species are known to live. Select an environment to see its Pontoporiidae species checklist.

Pontoporiidae Habitats

The environments in which many Pontoporiidae species are known to live. Select an environment to see its Pontoporiidae species checklist.