BrainStuff BrainStuff Classics: Why Are Whales Big (But Not Bigger)?
Mar 26, 2025
Discover the fascinating reasons behind why whales are colossal creatures yet not larger. The discussion explores the biological and evolutionary constraints that dictate their size, balancing growth with survival needs in the vast ocean. It dives into climate-related factors like thermoregulation and metabolism, shedding light on how these adaptations allow them to thrive in chilly waters. A deep dive into the intricate relationship between size and life in the deep blue!
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Whale Size
- Whales are the largest mammals on Earth, with blue whales reaching over 90 feet long.
- Despite the vast ocean, whales face size limitations.
Size Constraints
- Whale size is constrained by heat loss and metabolism, according to Stanford researchers.
- Being too small leads to rapid heat loss in the cold ocean, making it hard to maintain energy.
Metabolism and Size
- Whales' metabolism increases with size, limiting how large they can grow.
- Their energy needs impose limits on their size and activities.