Which marine animal has comb-like teeth used to filter food?
| Answer: | Baleen whale |
The marine animal with comb-like teeth used to filter food is known as a baleen whale. Baleen whales are a group of large marine mammals that include species such as the humpback whale, blue whale, and gray whale. These magnificent creatures have a unique feeding mechanism that sets them apart from other marine animals. Instead of having traditional teeth like predators or scavengers, baleen whales possess baleen plates in their mouths, which are made of keratin – the same material found in human fingernails and hair. These baleen plates are arranged in a comb-like structure and are used to filter small aquatic organisms, primarily krill and small fish, from the water as the whale swims with its mouth open.
Baleen whales are categorized as filter feeders, which means they passively feed by straining their food from the water. When a baleen whale opens its massive mouth, water along with its prey enters in. The whale then closes its mouth and uses its tongue to push the excess water out through the baleen plates, which act as a sieve to trap the food inside. The baleen plates are highly efficient at trapping small prey, allowing the whale to consume large quantities of food in a single gulp. It is estimated that some baleen whales can consume up to 8,000 pounds of food in a single day, depending on the species and availability of prey in their feeding grounds.
This unique feeding adaptation of baleen whales is particularly well-suited for capturing and consuming small, abundant prey like krill, which form the primary diet of many baleen whale species. Krill are tiny crustaceans that gather in dense swarms, making them easy targets for filter-feeding whales. By swimming through these krill swarms with their mouth agape, baleen whales can efficiently feed on these nutrient-rich organisms while expending minimal energy. The baleen plates effectively separate the krill from the water, allowing the whale to consume large quantities of food in a short period of time. This feeding strategy has enabled baleen whales to thrive in a variety of marine environments and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.