The Quiz: What term refers to the fins of a whale’s tail?
Dorsal
Pectoral
Fluke
Pleat
Flukes are the two fins of a whale’s tail, and they are used to propel the whale through the water. The shape and markings on the tails of some whales (especially humpback whales) are as unique as fingerprints, and scientists use them to identify whales. While fish and shark tails are vertical, whales and dolphins have horizontal tails because they still have vestigial pelvis bones remaining from when the species evolved from having four legs. A whale’s pectoral fins are located on their sides, like arms, while dorsal fins (if they have them) are located on their back.
The correct answer to this quiz is Fluke.