What would happen if there were no side holes on the beak of a duck?

The side holes on the beak of a duck are called lamellae. They act like a comb to filter food from water. These lamellae are arranged along the edges of the beak, resembling rows of thin, flexible plates. When a duck submerges its beak in water, it presses its tongue flat against the upper mandible. Water is forced out through these lamellae as it swims, allowing small food particles to be trapped along the inside of the beak. These trapped food particles are then swallowed.

If there were no side holes or lamellae on a duck's beak, the duck would not be able to filter food efficiently. They would have difficulty obtaining the nutrients they need to survive. As a result, ducks without lamellae would likely experience poor growth, malnutrition, and a reduced chance of survival.