Cetacean (Noun)
Meaning
Large aquatic carnivorous mammal with fin-like forelimbs no hind limbs, including: whales; dolphins; porpoises; narwhals.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Cetaceans have evolved from land-dwelling mammals to highly specialized aquatic animals over millions of years.
- The marine biologist spent her career studying the behavior of various cetacean species in their natural habitats.
- Dolphins are cetaceans that are closely related to whales and porpoises, but are generally smaller in size.
- Cetaceans are warm-blooded mammals that breathe air at the surface of the water, giving birth to live young.
- Scientists are concerned about the impact of ocean pollution on cetacean populations and ecosystems around the world.