The Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest animal known to have ever lived, a majestic giant of the deep Ocean. Reaching lengths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and weighing over 180 metric tons (200 short tons), it surpasses even the largest Dinosaur. This gentle Whale glides through the world's waters, famed for its resonant vocalizations that travel vast distances. Their low-frequency calls, which can reach 188 decibels, are the loudest animal sounds on Earth and can communicate across hundreds of miles. Despite its immense size, the blue whale feeds almost exclusively on tiny Krill, consuming up to 4 tons per day. They are found in all Oceans, migrating from polar feeding grounds to warmer breeding waters.
Evolution
Blue whales belong to the suborder Baleen Whales (Mysticeti), which diverged from Toothed Whales (Odontoceti) approximately 34 million years ago during the Oligocene epoch. Their lineage traces back to terrestrial Mammals that returned to the sea over 50 million years ago. Early whale ancestors, like Pakicetus, were four-legged land animals.
