Frequently Asked Questions

How do you describe a whale?

Whales are large mammals that live in most of our oceans and seas. They surface regularly to breathe, which is known as a blow. We can see this powerful burst of air because water vapor in the whale’s hot breath condenses when the blow is released. Blue whales are the largest mammal in the world, and can reach around 100 feet in length.

Are there whales in the Hudson River?

In August 2022 nine humpback whales were spotted in the Hudson river. The river has been exploited for centuries, exhausting marine life populations. In recent years, these populations have been making a comeback thanks to the work of citizens and environmental groups, such as Riverkeepers. This entrance into the Hudson likely indicates that the river estuary is becoming healthier and cleaner. The main problem is the heavy boat traffic on the Hudson. When whales enter the river, all boats are alerted to take extra cautions. Whales are tracked carefully to ensure they are eating and not disoriented. They usually exit on their own within 38 days.

What is a petri dish?

A petri dish is a small dish that scientists use to grow cells including bacteria and molds.

What are the differences between the Bigg’s and Resident Killer whales?

Bigg’s Killer whales are seen on the continental shelf in temperate to Arctic waters. They roam in smaller groups, preying on marine mammals. They have a wider beak for feeding on larger prey. Resident Killer whales are found mostly in waters north of central California in the eastern Pacific, and as far west as Russian coastal waters in the western Pacific. They live in tight-knit family pods and specialize in eating salmon. In the 1970’s scientists observed that the two animals did not mix with each other even when they occupied many of the same coastal waters, indicating they were different species. At that time there was not enough data to prove the difference in species. Today, with modern technology, scientists have collected genetic, physical, and behavioral evidence. The driving question of this research was whether the Residents were a distinct enough species to receive endangered species protections.

Why are Southern Resident Killer whales endangered?

Overfishing is the main cause of a declining Resident Killer whale population. The preferred prey of these whales is Chinook salmon, which are also endangered. Without enough prey, Killer whales experience decreased reproductive rates, and increased mortality rates. There are just 74 Southern Resident Killer whales left in the Pacific Ocean.

Are microbiomes important in all species?

Microbiomes are health indicators for all species. For humans, our gut microbiome helps us digest fiber from our food. As we grow, our gut microbiome begins to diversify, meaning it starts to contain many different types of bacteria. The food that we eat affects the diversity of our gut bacteria, a higher microbiome diversity being considered good for our health.