Feeding rates and under-ice foraging strategies of the smallest lunge filter feeder, the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis).
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Body size and feeding mode are two fundamental characteristics that determine foraging performance and ecological niche. As the smallest obligate lunge filter feeders, minke whales represent an ideal system for studying the physical and energetic limits of filter feeding in endotherms. We used multi-sensor suction cup tags to quantify the feeding performance of Antarctic minke whales. Foraging dives around and beneath sea ice contained up to 24 lunges per dive, the highest feeding rates for any lunge-feeding whale. Their small size allows minke whales access to krill in sea-ice environments not easily accessible to larger baleen whales. Furthermore, their ability to filter feed provides an advantage over other smaller sympatric krill predators such as penguins and seals that feed on individual prey. The unique combination of body size, feeding mechanism and sea-ice habitat of Antarctic minke whales defines a previously undocumented energetic niche that is unique among aquatic vertebrates.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Friedlaender, AS; Goldbogen, JA; Nowacek, DP; Read, AJ; Johnston, D; Gales, N
Published Date
- August 2014
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 217 / Pt 16
Start / End Page
- 2851 - 2854
PubMed ID
- 25122916
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1477-9145
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0022-0949
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1242/jeb.106682
Language
- eng