How Blubber Insulates Marine Mammals — Reading Comprehension

Imagine living in water so cold it could freeze your fingers in moments. For many marine mammals, this is their everyday home! How do they survive without shivering all the time? The answer lies in a special adaptation called blubber.

Blubber is a thick layer of fat found just beneath the skin of many ocean creatures, like seals, whales, and even polar bears when they swim. Think of it like a built-in winter coat, but far more effective. This fatty layer is crucial for keeping these animals warm in chilly waters, sometimes close to freezing temperatures.

The main job of blubber is insulation. Insulation is anything that stops heat from escaping or cold from entering. Blubber does an excellent job of trapping the mammal's body heat inside, preventing it from losing warmth to the surrounding cold water. Without blubber, these animals would quickly become too cold, which is very dangerous for their survival.

Consider a seal diving deep into the Arctic Ocean. Its body temperature needs to stay constant, around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, just like humans. The blubber acts as a thermal barrier, meaning it creates a wall that blocks the transfer of heat. This allows the seal to hunt for food and live comfortably in icy conditions.

Different marine mammals have different amounts of blubber. A bowhead whale, living in the freezing Arctic, can have blubber up to 20 inches thick! This incredible adaptation is a perfect example of how an animal's body structure helps it function in its specific environment. It's truly a marvel of natural engineering, helping these amazing creatures thrive in some of the harshest places on Earth.

Interesting Fact: Blubber also serves as a stored energy source, providing food when marine mammals can't find enough to eat.

What is blubber?

What is the main job of blubber?

Based on the passage, why is blubber important for marine mammals?

Which animal is mentioned as having blubber up to 20 inches thick?

If a marine mammal lost all its blubber, what would likely happen?

The passage states blubber acts as a 'thermal barrier'. What does 'thermal' most likely mean?

Blubber helps marine mammals survive in cold water. True or False?

Imagine you are designing a winter coat. What quality of blubber would you try to copy?