Here's why:
* Abundance: Arctic cod are abundant in the Arctic, making them an easy and reliable food source for beluga whales.
* Nutritional Value: Arctic cod are rich in nutrients that beluga whales need for survival and growth.
* Size: Arctic cod are relatively small, making them easy for beluga whales to catch and swallow.
Beluga whales have evolved specialized adaptations for hunting and consuming Arctic cod, including:
* Echolocation: Beluga whales use echolocation to locate and track Arctic cod in murky waters.
* Flexible Neck: Their flexible necks allow them to maneuver their heads and mouths to effectively catch prey.
However, beluga whales also consume a variety of other fish, squid, and crustaceans, depending on the season and their location.