Blue whales structural adaptations

Answer 1

Structural: Streamlined for swimming, blowhole on the dorsal side for ease in breathing, elongated tail (flippers are actually fused hind limbs) for extra power/force in swimming, grooved throat (gullet) for increased volume of seawater for straining

Physiological: whales have high concentrations of myoglobin in their blood (holds more oxygen than hemoglobin)= this makes it easier for whales to stay down longer; myoglobin also compresses easier to combat the high pressures of the deep sea, whales have thick layers of blubber to insulate them from the cold depths of the sea (cold oceans in general), rather than teeth, blues have baleen plates (keratin filters for krill) used for straining metric tons of krill (and other small marine life) out of the ocean

behavioral: blues use their tongue to push seawater out through baleen plates after their mouths are closed (for filtering), blues always feed in the highest populations of krill (since krill move, this means blues move, following the migrations of krill with currents); females are often larger and will hover over calves to protect their young (pods of blues will keep calves centrally with larger adults on the peripheral edges.

Answer 2

Due to evolution, whales are born with pelvic bones as well as the bones used to have arms, legs, fingers, and toes (the same bones as humans, cats, and bats.) Though they do not have any arms or legs, they still use these bones and have adapted to make them useful in their environment.

Answer 3

Blue whales have several structural adaptations that allow them to thrive in their marine environment, including their streamlined body shape, which reduces drag while swimming. They also have a layer of blubber that provides insulation and energy storage. Additionally, their large size and flipper shape aid in efficient swimming and maneuvering through water.