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Monodontidae (White Whales) 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 22 attributes, including:

Known occurrences, collected specimens and observations of white whales. View this species on GBIF
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White Whale Habitats

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

white whales Habitats

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