TIL - There is such a thing as a Right Whale Dolphin and they don't have a dorsal fin

[pelespirit@sh.itjust.works]

https://animalia-life.club/qa/pictures/southern-right-whale-dolphin

Conspicuously, neither species has a dorsal fin; nor do right whales and this may explain the dolphins' name.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_whale_dolphin

[semi_hemi_demigod@lemmy.world]

Any idea why they’re called a right whale dolphin? I’m familiar with the origin of the name right whale but I’m wondering if they have some association.

[pelespirit@sh.itjust.works]

I thought I linked to the wikipedia page, but I guess I didn't. I'll fix it. Apparently, they're not sure:

Conspicuously, neither species has a dorsal fin; nor do right whales and this may explain the dolphins' name.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_whale_dolphin

[semi_hemi_demigod@lemmy.world]

Thanks! I read the Wikipedia page briefly but missed that part.

[pelespirit@sh.itjust.works]

Np. I've seen drawn pics of these and thought they didn't get the drawing right for years. We all miss stuff, lol.

[frenchfryenjoyer@lemmings.world]

No idea they existed until now either. very striking and unusual looking I wonder why they evolved to have no dorsal fin?