Q 01/05

What is the humpback whale's scientific name?

A) Megaptera novaeangliae

B) Balaenoptera musculus

C) Eubalaena glacialis

D) Physeter macrocephalus

Answer · why

A) Megaptera novaeangliae

It is the only species in the genus Megaptera, a rorqual related to the blue, fin, sei, Bryde's and minke whales.

Q 02/05

The genus name Megaptera means what?

A) Great singer

B) Hump-back

C) Giant wing

D) Bubble maker

Answer · why

C) Giant wing

It refers to the enormous pectoral flippers, each about a third of the body length.

Q 03/05

The species name novaeangliae means what?

A) New Angel

B) New Englander

C) Northern Angler

D) New Anglian

Answer · why

B) New Englander

Brisson coined it in 1756 as 'baleine de la Nouvelle Angleterre' after regular sightings off New England.

Q 04/05

Where does the common name 'humpback' come from?

A) A hump of blubber on its head

B) A hunched swimming posture

C) The curve of its back as it dives

D) A dorsal-fin deformity

Answer · why

C) The curve of its back as it dives

The dorsal fin itself is short and varies from almost nothing to a small curved hook.

Q 05/05

How long is a typical adult humpback whale?

A) 8 to 9 metres

B) 14 to 15 metres

C) 11 to 12 metres

D) 20 to 22 metres

Answer · why

B) 14 to 15 metres

Females run 1-1.5 m longer than males; the species can weigh up to 40 tonnes.