The scientific name Lissodelphis borealis is derived from the Greek word lissos (“smooth”) and the Latin word borealis (“northern”) and is the official name of the Northern Right Whale Dolphin. The reason the dolphin is “smooth” is that the Northern Right Whale Dolphin has no dorsal fin. It is the only cetacean without a dorsal fin, making it the most easily recognizable species in the whale family. That is, once you realize it is a dolphin. Due to its unusual appearance, many first-time observers often confuse the Northern Right Whale Dolphin with other animals like seals or sea lions.
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