Body Design ADAPTATION
Body Design
| Cetaceans have a streamlined, fusiform (torpedo-shape)
body. This reduces drag on the animal as it moves forward through the
viscose water. The cetaceans' flat fluke (horizontal plane) separates them from fish which have
a vertical plane tail. With the up and down motion of the spine and the
strong muscles attached to the fluke, the cetacean propels itself forward.
At maximum speed, cetaceans have been clocked at 29-40 kmph but cruising
speed is between 4-11 kmph.
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