Whales are some of the largest creatures on Earth, and they have an appetite to match their size. Most whales feed on small fish, krill, squid, and other marine invertebrates. Baleen whales, which include the massive blue whale, strain enormous quantities of ocean water through their teeth to trap their tiny prey.
Toothed whales, such as orcas and sperm whales, use their sharp teeth to tear apart their prey. Whales have evolved special adaptations that help them find and eat food in the vast oceans.
For example, baleen whales can filter ocean water for tiny organisms using their comb-like baleen plates. Orcas use echolocation, or sound waves, to find and capture prey. These amazing creatures play an important role in the ocean ecosystem by helping to keep populations of other animals in check.
