What are some blue whale adaptations for survival?

Being a warm-blooded mammal presents one of the biggest challenges for Balaenoptera musculus. Heat loss in water is 27 times greater than the same temperature on land, thus blue whales must adapt to the cool ocean temperatures to avoid excessive heat loss and to maintain metabolic activity. read more

The blue whale -- a member of the group of whales known as the baleen whales -- is the largest known animal, growing to a length of up to 110 feet and weigh up to 190 tons. They can be found throughout the world’s oceans, though they particularly favor the cold waters found in the North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Antarctic Oceans. read more

Some whales can also use their blubber for energy during times when food is scarce or during long trips. In fact during migration periods the blue whale will go without food for up to four months while they migrate and live primarily off of the body fat and calories that are stored within its blubber. read more

Due to its immense size the blue whale has developed a number of adaptations that have allowed it to survive. Feeding Adaptations. Due to its immense dietary needs, blue whales expand their throats in order to take in as much as 50 gallons of water. read more