To which of the following taxonomic group does the whale belongs?

Options

A. Fishes
B. Amphibians
C. Reptiles
D. Mammals

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Characteristics of Whales:**
- Whales are aquatic animals that have several distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other groups of animals.

2. **Breathing Mechanism:**
- Whales possess modified lungs, which they use to breathe air. This is a key feature that distinguishes them from fish, which have gills for breathing underwater.

3. **Reproductive Method:**
- Whales give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. This is another important characteristic that aligns them with mammals.

4. **Nourishment of Offspring:**
- Female whales have mammary glands that allow them to suckle their young with milk, a trait unique to mammals.

5. **Presence of Hair:**
- Whales have hair (though minimal), which is a characteristic found in mammals.

6. **Warm-Blooded Nature:**
- Whales are warm-blooded, meaning they can regulate their body temperature independently of the environment, unlike fish and reptiles.

7. **Comparison with Other Taxonomic Groups:**
- Fish: Have gills, lay eggs, and do not have mammary glands or hair.
- Amphibians: Lay eggs, do not have mammary glands, and typically have a dual life (aquatic and terrestrial).
- Reptiles: Lay eggs, do not have mammary glands or hair.

8. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the above characteristics, whales belong to the taxonomic group known as **Mammals**.

**Final Answer:**
Whales belong to the taxonomic group **Mammals**.

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