so whales can eat them
Krill are a key component of the Antarctic food web, serving as a primary food source for many species including whales, seals, and penguins. While they play a crucial role, they are not the dominant herbivores in the Antarctic ecosystem, as there are other herbivorous organisms like algae and small fish that also contribute to the food web.
The Antarctic food chain exists as a way for energy to be transferred between different organisms in the ecosystem. Just like in any other ecosystem, organisms in the Antarctic food chain rely on each other for food and energy. From phytoplankton to krill to whales, each organism plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of the Antarctic ecosystem.
The Southern Ocean, surrounding Antarctica, is known for its rich levels of krill, particularly Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). This nutrient-rich environment supports a diverse ecosystem, serving as a crucial food source for many marine species, including whales, seals, and penguins. The abundance of krill plays a vital role in the ocean's food web and overall health.
The crabeater seal is primarily a carnivore, with a diet that mainly consists of krill, a type of small shrimp-like crustacean. Despite its name, it does not actually eat crabs. These seals have specialized teeth that help them filter krill from the water, making them highly adapted to their diet in the Antarctic ecosystem.
A kelp forest is an ecosystem in itself. Many animals use these massive forests to shelter their young from predators. Other animals feed off of the kelp plants. When you understand how marine life lives with the kelp forests you can begin to understand the big picture.
Antarctic krill was created in 1850.
Krill are a key component of the Antarctic food web, serving as a primary food source for many species including whales, seals, and penguins. While they play a crucial role, they are not the dominant herbivores in the Antarctic ecosystem, as there are other herbivorous organisms like algae and small fish that also contribute to the food web.
Krill are measured in tonnes, and the number is large enough to outweigh any of their predators. Krill are a key to the Antarctic food chain in Antarctic waters.
Euphausia
There is no commercial krill fishing in the oceans that surround the Antarctic continent -- the Antarctic Treaty forbids it.
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krill
The Antarctic food chain exists as a way for energy to be transferred between different organisms in the ecosystem. Just like in any other ecosystem, organisms in the Antarctic food chain rely on each other for food and energy. From phytoplankton to krill to whales, each organism plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of the Antarctic ecosystem.
Krill survive in the Southern Ocean which surrounds the Antarctic continent.
Fish, krill, copepods.
Too many to count.
Absolutely nothing. Antarctic krill are massively abundant. They are on of the most abundant creatures on the planet. Dont worry about them.