Morphology
Finless Porpoises are bilateral symmetrical, slender, and have no dorsal fin, hence their name. Young porpoises colors gradually become lighter to adapt to adult's light grey color. Both female and male finless porpoises can grow to be greater than 1.55 meters long. Adult Finless Porpoises may weigh up to 100 pounds.
Biology
Distribution Map
Importance
Finless Porpoises contribute 4.4% to the total flow of energy throughout their habitat. They were classified as terminal consumers and affect all of secondary consumers in the eastern Yellow Sea. It has been stated that Finless Porpoises are very important to the Yangtze River ecosystem, and their absence would indicate the decay of the ecosystem.
Facts
1. Finless Porpoises look black at birth.
2. Adult Finless Porpoises can weigh up to 100 pounds.
3. The lifespan of Finless Porpoises is anywhere from 20-30 years.
4. Breeding usually occurs between the spring/summer months.
5. This is one of six breeds of porpoises.
2. Adult Finless Porpoises can weigh up to 100 pounds.
3. The lifespan of Finless Porpoises is anywhere from 20-30 years.
4. Breeding usually occurs between the spring/summer months.
5. This is one of six breeds of porpoises.
Vocabulary
1. gestation period - time from conception to birth
2. Calf- baby porpoise
3. Yangtze River - most common place for finless porpoises
4. endangered - slowly dying off species; approaching extinction
5. carnivore - strictly meat eating animal
2. Calf- baby porpoise
3. Yangtze River - most common place for finless porpoises
4. endangered - slowly dying off species; approaching extinction
5. carnivore - strictly meat eating animal