How humpback whales hunt down tiny fish

Humpback whales use stealth and deception to hunt small fish, employing a technique called lunge feeding. A study from Stanford University reveals that whales open their mouths at precise moments to avoid triggering an escape response in fish. This method allows them to capture a significant portion of a fish school by expanding their jaws to engulf water and fish, then filtering out the water before swallowing the fish.

What is the primary method humpback whales use to catch their prey?

• Camouflage

• Loud noises

• Stealth and deception

• Speed and agility

Why were scientists curious about the small fish's inability to escape?

• The fish are too slow

• The fish are unaware of the whales

• The fish have no natural predators

• The fish are unable to detect the whales' approach

What does the study published in the journal suggest about the whales' feeding technique?

• Whales open their mouths at the right moment to avoid triggering an escape response

• Whales use sound waves to stun fish

• Whales use their tails to create waves that trap fish

• Whales rely on their size to intimidate fish

What is the term used to describe the feeding method where whales expand their jaws to consume water?

• Filter feeding

• Lunge feeding

• Bubble net feeding

• Surface skimming

How much of the fish school can humpback whales capture at once using their feeding technique?

• 70 to 90%

• 10 to 20%

• 30 to 60%

• 100%