A marine biologist studies krill consumption. If a blue whale eats 4 tons/day and hunts for 6 hours daily at 2 knots, how many tons are consumed in 10 days?

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:03:31 +0000

The Critical Role of Krill in Marine Ecosystems: Insights from a Marine Biologist’s Study Krill—tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans—form the backbone of some of the ocean’s most magnificent food webs. A recent in-depth study by marine biologists reveals just how vital krill consumption is to apex predators, particularly blue whales, the largest animals on Earth. Understanding krill intake and feeding patterns not only highlights the efficiency of these marine giants but also underscores the delicate balance between predator and prey in ocean ecosystems. ### How Much Do Blue Whales Eat? A marine biologist’s research shows that a blue whale consumes approximately 4 tons of krill per day. This colossal intake is essential to fuel their enormous size and support their migratory patterns across global oceans. Despite their massive bulk, blue whales compensate through highly efficient feeding strategies—filtering thousands of liters of krill-laden water in a single dive.