Why Whales Got So Big

6/24/2018

This article delves into the evolutionary reasons behind why whales have become such gigantic creatures. It explains that one of the main factors contributing to their tremendous size is the shift from hunting small prey to consuming larger marine animals. This change in diet allowed whales to grow in size over millions of years. The article also discusses the concept of gigantothermy, which suggests that the massive size of whales helps them retain body heat in cold ocean waters. Additionally, it explores the benefits of size when it comes to diving deeper and migrating over long distances. Overall, the article provides an insightful look into the fascinating evolutionary journey that led to the impressive size of whales.

ecological constraints ꞏ natural selection ꞏ aquatic habitats ꞏ deep sea ꞏ cetaceans ꞏ feeding strategies ꞏ evolution ꞏ animal behavior ꞏ evolutionary pressures ꞏ ecosystem dynamics ꞏ marine adaptations ꞏ marine environment ꞏ ocean life ꞏ marine science ꞏ animal biology ꞏ oceanic productivity ꞏ energy efficiency ꞏ food availability ꞏ marine wildlife ꞏ marine evolution ꞏ gigantism ꞏ marine genetics ꞏ marine biodiversity ꞏ megafauna ꞏ marine species ꞏ marine food web ꞏ marine mammals ꞏ ecological niche ꞏ evolutionary advantage ꞏ body size ꞏ mammalian evolution ꞏ size ꞏ oceanic environments ꞏ species adaptation ꞏ marine ecology ꞏ marine research ꞏ predator-prey dynamics ꞏ climate change ꞏ marine ecosystems ꞏ marine conservation ꞏ evolutionary biology ꞏ whales