A conservation classification that designates a species that is not yet threatened but may be in the near future either because there are so few of them or their habitat is threatened. For more information see the conservation status.

A method used by some mammals for locating prey. This method involves the animal emitting a sonic sound, the sound bounces off objects in the distance and come back to them as an echo. The amount of time it takes an echo to return helps the animal know the object's shape, size, and distance.

A behavior where a cetacean slaps its fluke on the surface of the water.

An area of the ocean from approximately 10,000 to 20,000 feet (3,000 to 6,000) beneath the surface.

A highly variable group of photosynthetic organisms that occur in moist soils or aquatic environments . Algae can be single-celled organisms or very large multi-celled forms like giant kelp.

A excessive growth of algae, usually as a result of excess nutrients in the water. Algal blooms can be harmful, due to reduced amounts of oxygen in the water as the excessive amounts of algae die, see red tides.

A substance created by the digestive system of sperm whales. Scientists suggest that this substance may be created to help ease the passage of the hard parts of food that they have eaten. Ambergris is either excreted or regurgitated by whales and can be found along the sea shore or floating in the ocean in large chunks up to 100 pounds. Historicall [..]

A patch of white shaped like an anchor and located on the chest and belly of pilot whales.

An opening at the end of the digestive tract of an animal. Solid wastes are expelled through this opening.

Anything pertaining to water; an animal that lives in the water (fresh, brackish, or salt).