The Blue Whale- Endangered Species — Passage
The blue whale is the largest animal ever known to have existed, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet and weighing as much as 200 tons. Despite its enormous size, this gentle giant feeds almost exclusively on tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill.
Blue whales are found in oceans worldwide, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. They migrate long distances to feed and breed, often traveling thousands of miles each year.
Unfortunately, blue whales are listed as an endangered species under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. They were nearly driven to extinction in the 20th century due to commercial whaling, which killed over 360,000 blue whales. Although whaling is now banned, blue whales still face threats from ship strikes, ocean noise pollution, and climate change, which affects their food supply.
Conservation efforts include tracking blue whale populations, creating protected marine areas, and reducing ship speeds in whale habitats. These measures have helped some populations recover, but the species remains at risk.
Fun fact: A blue whale’s heart is the size of a small car, and its tongue can weigh as much as an elephant!
What is the blue whale’s diet?
FishKrillSeaweedPlanktonHow long can a blue whale grow?
50 feet75 feet100 feet150 feetWhy are blue whales endangered?
OverfishingCommercial whalingToo much foodLack of spaceWhat is one threat to blue whales today?
Ship strikesOverpopulationLack of krillToo much sunlightWhat is one conservation effort for blue whales?
Increasing ship speedsCreating protected marine areasEncouraging whalingReducing krill populationsWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
Blue whales can flyA blue whale’s heart is the size of a small carBlue whales eat sharksBlue whales live in freshwaterWhere are blue whales found?
Only in the ArcticOnly in the AntarcticIn oceans worldwideOnly in the Pacific OceanWhy is protecting blue whales important?
They are a key part of marine ecosystemsThey are used for medical researchThey are a major food sourceThey clean the oceanRelated Content
