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Humpback Whale ‘Timmy’ Stranded Again in Baltic Sea

1 April 20261 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYHumpback Whale‘Timmy’ StrandedAgain in Baltic Sea1 April 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

A juvenile humpback called Timmy drew global attention after running aground a third time near the German coast.

Key facts

  • Species: Megaptera novaeangliae, not native to the Baltic Sea.
  • Pectoral fins: longest of any whale, up to one-third of body length.
  • Fluke underside has a unique black-and-white pattern, a biological fingerprint for researchers.
  • IUCN: Least Concern.

Background concepts

  • Baleen whale (Mysticeti): toothless, uses keratin plates to filter small prey.
  • Rorqual: baleen whales with throat pleats from mouth to navel that let the throat expand.
  • Tubercles: knobby bumps on head and jaw that are hair follicles.

Exam angle

  • Fluke pattern: biological fingerprint.
  • Rorqual feature: throat pleats.

Test yourself

1. What is the IUCN Red List category of the humpback whale, as noted in this item?

The notes record the humpback whale as Least Concern.

2. Humpback whales have the longest pectoral fins of any whale. Up to what part of body length can they reach?

The fins reach up to one-third of total body length.

3. Which feature of the rorqual family lets the throat expand greatly while a humpback feeds?

Rorquals have longitudinal pleats from mouth to navel.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 1 April 2026 (12 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizApril 2026

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