Majestic Blue Whales Under Threat
In Majestic Blue Whales Under Threat, narrator Sir David Attenborough highlights the largest animal to have ever lived—the blue whale. Weighing nearly 200 tons, these gentle giants feed almost exclusively on tiny crustaceans called krill. By taking in massive gulps of water and filtering out krill, a single blue whale can consume up to four million krill per day. However, global environmental changes threaten the fragile ecosystem that supports these magnificent creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: Why is the blue whale considered the largest animal to have ever lived?
A: Blue whales can grow up to 200 tons, making them twice the size of the largest dinosaurs.
Q: What do blue whales eat, and how do they catch their food?
A: They feed almost exclusively on krill, using their massive mouths to take in large amounts of water and filter out the tiny creatures.
Q: How have global environmental changes affected blue whales?
A: Changes in ocean fertility and krill populations impact their food supply, and historical whaling has severely reduced their numbers.
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