Why are aquatic animals such as whales larger than terrestrial animals?

Answer 1

The breathing rate of aquatic animals is faster than that of terrestrial animals because the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water in much less than the amount outside, so they have to breathe more in order to get more oxygen

Answer 2

The reason why terrestrial animals can't grow much larger than the dinosaurs did is because bones do not have infinite strength. Much heavier, and the bones would not be able to hold the animal up. Most scientists believe that sauropods were about the upper limits of what a terrestrial body could tolerate. But the blue whale is far larger than Brachiosaurus, generally regarded as the largest dinosaur (although other, partially publicised finds may be larger). This is because the water supports its weight - it does not need a limb - and the skeleton of the limb - to hold it off the ground. The whale can grow as large as the available food will allow it to, because the water supports its huge bulk.

Being this big has advantages and disadvantages. There is virtually nothing, save a human, that can kill a full-grown whale. Or an elephant, for that matter. But such large animals require vast amounts of food. Few animals can grow this large because there is not enough food for them. Those that do are not numerous because their habitat cannot support many animals this size.

Answer 3

The breathing rate of aquatic animals is faster than that of terrestrial animals because the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water in much less than the amount outside, so they have to breathe more in order to get more oxygen

Answer 4

Aquatic animals breathe faster than terrestrial animals because animals underwater are alwaysmoving. They are always swimming or walking on the ocean floor. The faster they swim, the faster they breathe. Terresrtial animals can rest and catch they're breath if they need to. Fish, and other underwater animals, can't rest.

Answer 5

Aquatic animals have water to support their bodies so their is no limit to how big they grow.

Answer 6

Because the effects of gravity are lower in water. their skeletons don't have to support as much weight as they would out of water.