Why are whales so important for marine ecosystems?
Why are whales so important for marine ecosystems?
whales are fascinating animals: their colossal size, their majestic presence and their impressive behavior have always attracted people around the world. In the past decades, researchers have increasingly found out whales and their importance for the maritime ecosystems of our world. It is now recognized that whales play an indispensable role for the healthy functioning of the oceans and thus for life on Earth as a whole. This article is intended to shed light on why whales are so important for marine ecosystems.
whales as part of the food circuit
Primary producer of Phytoplankton
The importance of whales for marine ecosystems begins with its role in the production of phytoplankton. Whales feed to a large part of krill and small fish, which in turn consume phytoplankton. By consuming and leaving these animals, whales support the production of phytoplankton. They contribute to transporting nutrients from the depths to the surface, where the phytoplankton can use.
Phytoplankton plays a central role in the oceans. It produces about half of the oxygen on earth and binds CO2 at the same time. This makes phytoplankton an essential factor in the global climate and contributes to reducing global warming. Without whales, the balance of nutrients in the water would be disturbed and the phytoplankton population could lose weight.
whale as prey
Whales are also an important part of the food cycle because they are prey for other marine predators. For example, Orcas hunt gray whales and their calves during their hikes. Hairs and various types of seals also feed on whales, especially sick or injured animals and walkadavians. The death of a whale can be referred to as a 'whale case' and offers food for countless sea creatures, from sharks to small marine floor inhabitants.
whales as indicators for the health of the oceans
The health and behavior of whale populations provide scientists valuable references to the condition of the oceans. Changes in the behavior of the whales, such as changes in the tensile patterns, reproductive rates and mortality rates, can indicate environmental problems, such as pollution, climate change, food lack or human disorders such as noise. A decline in whale populations is often a warning signal for problems that could also affect other marine animals and ecosystems.
whales and carbon binding
Another important function of the whales is their ability to store carbon. Whales absorb large amounts of carbon in their body mass during their long life and save them there. When you die and sink to the sea floor, the carbon of the atmosphere stored in your body is removed in the long run. This is referred to as the "biological pump". Scientists estimate that global whale population binds around 30,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere every year. This means that whales contribute to alleviating the effects of climate change.
whales and biodiversity
Whales also contribute to the biodiversity of the sea. Their presence in certain areas can use other species. For example, the excretions of whales attract many different ways, including fish, krill and seabirds that use these nutrients as food. In addition, due to their size and ability to cover large distances, whales attract other types by opening up new habitats and thus contributing to the spread of species.
In addition, the body of dead whales serve as entire ecosystems, which serve specific deep sea areas, such as different worm, snail and shell types, as a habitat and food source.
conclusion
The role of the whales in the marine ecosystems is diverse and of vital importance. They are the main actors in the food circuit, indicators of the health of the oceans, carbon storage and biodiversity promoters. The protection of whale populations is therefore not only a question of species protection, but also a question of protection of the entire maritime ecosystems and finally our planet. It is important that we protect this fascinating giants of the sea and your ecosystem from threats such as climate change, pollution and overfishing. This is the only way you can continue to work for the health of our oceans.
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