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submitted 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by pelespirit@sh.itjust.works to c/til@lemmy.ca

https://animalia-life.club/qa/pictures/southern-right-whale-dolphin

Conspicuously, neither species has a dorsal fin; nor do right whales and this may explain the dolphins' name.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_whale_dolphin

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[-] Aksamit@slrpnk.net 4 points 3 weeks ago
[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 3 points 3 weeks ago

Any idea why they’re called a right whale dolphin? I’m familiar with the origin of the name right whale but I’m wondering if they have some association.

[-] pelespirit@sh.itjust.works 5 points 3 weeks ago

I thought I linked to the wikipedia page, but I guess I didn't. I'll fix it. Apparently, they're not sure:

Conspicuously, neither species has a dorsal fin; nor do right whales and this may explain the dolphins' name.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_whale_dolphin

[-] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 4 points 3 weeks ago

Thanks! I read the Wikipedia page briefly but missed that part.

[-] pelespirit@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 weeks ago

Np. I've seen drawn pics of these and thought they didn't get the drawing right for years. We all miss stuff, lol.

[-] frenchfryenjoyer@lemmings.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

No idea they existed until now either. very striking and unusual looking I wonder why they evolved to have no dorsal fin?

this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2025
39 points (100.0% liked)

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