Learn why whales love to eat tiny plankton and how these small creatures are a big part of a whale's diet, explained in a simple way for kids aged 8.
Hi there! Let's talk about plankton and why whales like to eat them.
What is Plankton?
Plankton are tiny, tiny creatures and plants that live in the ocean. They are so small that you usually need a microscope to see them! Even though they are tiny, there are lots and lots of plankton floating in the water.
Why Do Whales Eat Plankton?
Many whales, like the big blue whale, eat plankton because they are an easy and important source of food. Whales don't have teeth to chew big food instead, they have something called baleen plates, which are like special filters. The whale swims through the water with its mouth open and catches a lot of plankton all at once.
The plankton are packed full of important energy and nutrients that whales need to grow big and strong. Even though plankton are tiny, when a whale eats millions at a time, it gets enough food to survive!
Fun Fact: One type of plankton called krill is a favourite meal for many whales because it's like tiny shrimp and very tasty for them.
So, the next time you think about whales, remember that these huge animals love to eat the tiniest creatures in the ocean!