What are the three stages of a whale fall?

Answer 1

A whale fall typically consists of three stages:

1. Scavenger Stage: After a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, scavengers like sharks and large fish begin to feed on the soft tissues, breaking down the carcass.

2. Decomposition Stage: As the whale's soft tissues are consumed, smaller organisms such as crustaceans and bacteria begin to break down the bones and remaining organic matter, leading to a diverse community of microorganisms.

3. Nutrient Stage: Finally, the remaining bones provide a habitat for various deep-sea organisms, including specialized species that thrive on the nutrients released over time, supporting a unique ecosystem for years to come.