* Insulation: Blubber acts as a thick layer of fat that helps them stay warm in cold ocean waters. Blue whales migrate long distances and often spend time in polar regions where the water temperature can be very low.
* Buoyancy: Blubber provides buoyancy, helping them stay afloat with less effort. This is especially important for a large animal that spends most of its time submerged.
* Energy storage: Blubber is a rich source of energy. Blue whales need to store large amounts of energy to fuel their long migrations and their need for large amounts of food.
* Streamlining: Blubber can help to streamline their body, reducing drag as they swim through the water.
In short, blubber is essential for the blue whale's survival, allowing them to regulate their body temperature, maintain buoyancy, store energy, and move efficiently through the ocean.