Understanding Whale Feeding and Filter Mechanism

Why do whales prefer to eat small creatures like plankton instead of larger fish?

• Larger fish are too fast for whales.

• Whales are allergic to larger fish.

• Eating lower on the food web provides more energy.

• Small creatures are easier to catch.

What is the main function of the keratin plates in a whale's mouth?

• To assist in communication with other whales.

• To help the whale swim faster.

• To protect the whale from predators.

• To filter water and trap plankton.

What realization does Chris have about the filtering process inside the whale?

• It is harmful to the whale.

• It is ineffective at trapping plankton.

• It is a unique process not found in any other animal.

• It is similar to how a pasta strainer works.

What happens to the plankton after they are trapped by the whale's filtering mechanism?

• They are released back into the ocean.

• They are stored in the whale's mouth for later.

• They are swallowed by the whale.

• They escape through the whale's gills.

How does the whale's filtering mechanism benefit its feeding strategy?

• It makes the whale's mouth more aerodynamic.

• It allows the whale to catch larger fish.

• It enables the whale to consume a large amount of plankton efficiently.

• It helps the whale to avoid eating harmful substances.