The blue whale (Balaenoptera
musculus) is a member of the cetacean family and with
fewer than 10,000 individuals it is considered endangered.
This is the largest species ever to exist (even bigger than
dinosaurs!) measuring up to 31 meters (102 feet). When a
blue whale breeches, it must first gain an underwater
momentum of faster than 23 mph to propel itself out of the
water! The blue whale filters tiny planktonic shrimp from
the ocean surface through a comb like structure in its mouth
called baleen. Although they are the largest members of the
animal kingdom, blue whales survive on some of the tiniest
members of the animal kingdom. (photo: Fred Benko)
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