why are flukes used to ID whales?
Whales have varieties of black and white skin patterns on the underside of their tail flukes which allows permanent identification of individuals with photographs. Flukes make it easier to identify the many species of humpback whales. Humpbacks have many characteristics like the bumps or protuberances on the top of their heads which gives them a dill pickle look.
Why do scientists need this data?
Scientists use this data to research the whales migration habits. By identifying the many different kinds of humpback whales, scientists have the ability to determine the range and migratory destinations of local whales.
What is the most difficult part of this lab?
The lab was fairly easy until you narrowed the fluke down to around 2 or 3. Many of the flukes contained marks and colors that appeared to be exactly the same. In order to correctly find the right match, you had to make sure every little marking on the fluke was correct.
How could you change this lab to make it better?
One thing you could change about this lab is maybe putting the flukes in different categories. Also it would be easier to identify the flukes if they weren't all in black and white. Also some flukes would be easier to identify if they weren't so blurry.
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