What is the difference between a whale and a dolphin?

Whales and dolphins are both marine mammals and are part of the same group, called cetaceans. However, there are some key differences between them. The main differences between whales and dolphins are:

• Size: Whales are generally larger than dolphins. The blue whale, for example, is the largest animal on Earth, while the smallest dolphin, the Maui's dolphin, is only about 4 feet long.
• Appearance: Whales have a more streamlined shape than dolphins and have a large dorsal fin, while dolphins have a more slender body and a curved dorsal fin.
• Behavior: Whales tend to be more solitary and are known for their long migrations, while dolphins are more social and often swim in groups, called pods.
• Communication: Whales communicate with each other using low-frequency sounds that can travel long distances through the water, while dolphins use a variety of sounds, including whistles and clicks.

Despite these differences, both whales and dolphins are highly intelligent and have complex social structures. They are also both threatened by human activities, such as pollution, climate change, and hunting.