Here's why:
* Baleen Plates: Blue whales are baleen whales, meaning they have baleen plates instead of teeth. These plates are made of keratin (the same material as human fingernails) and hang from the upper jaw like a curtain.
* Filter Feeding: Blue whales use their baleen plates to filter food from the water. They take in large amounts of water containing krill, small fish, and other tiny organisms. Then, they push the water out through the baleen plates, trapping the food inside.
* No Chewing Necessary: Because they filter their food, blue whales don't need teeth to chew. Their baleen plates effectively strain out the food they need.
So, while blue whales are giants of the ocean, they actually eat in a very delicate and efficient way!