What happens when whales die?

When a whale dies, its body sinks to the ocean floor and begins to decompose. This process can take several months or even years, depending on the size of the whale and the temperature of the water. As the whale decomposes, it releases nutrients into the water that can support a variety of marine life.

The decomposition of a whale can be divided into three stages:

* Fresh - The whale's body is still intact, and there is no sign of decomposition.

* Bloated - The whale's body begins to bloat as gases from decomposition accumulate inside. This can cause the whale to float to the surface.

* Skeletonized - The whale's body has completely decomposed, leaving only the bones behind.

The decomposition of a whale can have a significant impact on the marine ecosystem. The nutrients released from the whale's body can support the growth of phytoplankton, which are the foundation of the marine food chain. In addition, the whale's bones can provide a habitat for a variety of marine life, including fish, crabs, and sea urchins.

The decomposition of a whale can also be a source of pollution. The gases released from decomposition can contribute to climate change, and the whale's body can release harmful chemicals into the water. However, the overall impact of whale decomposition on the marine ecosystem is positive, as it provides nutrients and habitat for a variety of marine life.