How are whale bones different from the bones of land animals?

Answer 1

Whale bones are adapted for a fully aquatic lifestyle, being more streamlined and lighter than those of land animals to reduce buoyancy and allow for efficient movement in water. Unlike the dense, weight-bearing bones of land mammals, whale bones often have a spongy, cancellous structure that provides strength while minimizing weight. Additionally, whale bones lack the prominent adaptations for muscle attachment found in terrestrial animals, as swimming involves different mechanics compared to walking or running. These adaptations reflect the evolutionary transition of whales from land-dwelling ancestors to their current aquatic form.