SM and movement

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

I think that blue whales would argue with the authors on that optimal size of marine mammals.

Optimum size for speed. Blue whales are decently fast, and relative speeds of different whales are disputed, but they're probably slower than, say, orcas (which weight something like 1% as much).

[Rupert]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Optimum size for speed. Blue whales are decently fast, and relative speeds of different whales are disputed, but they're probably slower than, say, orcas (which weight something like 1% as much).

Over long distances (multi-day trips) the blue whales may win, even if they're slower over short distances.

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by Anthony

Optimum size for speed. Blue whales are decently fast, and relative speeds of different whales are disputed, but they're probably slower than, say, orcas (which weight something like 1% as much).

Precision is important. This study didn't take all possible factors into account. Its really about the relationship between top possible speed and size. And yes, an Orca usually ends up being faster than a blue whale when you look at the numbers for top speed.

[Bruno]

Originally Posted by AlexanderHowl

I think that blue whales would argue with the authors on that optimal size of marine mammals.

Optimum for speed on land via the use of legs. Bats and sugargliders do not apply, dolphins, seals, whales, also not covered.

Originally Posted by Anthony

Optimum size for speed. Blue whales are decently fast, and relative speeds of different whales are disputed, but they're probably slower than, say, orcas (which weight something like 1% as much).

Originally Posted by Rupert

Over long distances (multi-day trips) the blue whales may win, even if they're slower over short distances.

There are other whales that are decidedly faster (the fin whale is nicknamed the "grayhound of the sea"). Blue whales are elephants or hippos - big and bulky because being big and bulky gives them a big mouth and a big stomach and little to fear from non-human predators. They are streamlined in that they are a teardrop shape and don't have unnecessary protrusions, but they're a fat teardrop. Compare the body shape of a fin whale, long and slim and very streamlined, and also excellent travellers.

Blue whales travel the oceans because their migratory patterns keep them moving to new places constantly, their huge energy requirements would otherwise have them completely depleting local stocks rapidly, leading to death by thirst before they can even starve (whales get all their water from their food, not by drinking seawater). They travel long distances because they're constantly migrating, not because they're super efficient.

[Rupert]

Originally Posted by Bruno

There are other whales that are decidedly faster (the fin whale is nicknamed the "grayhound of the sea"). Blue whales are elephants or hippos - big and bulky because being big and bulky gives them a big mouth and a big stomach and little to fear from non-human predators. They are streamlined in that they are a teardrop shape and don't have unnecessary protrusions, but they're a fat teardrop. Compare the body shape of a fin whale, long and slim and very streamlined, and also excellent travellers.

For a high cruising speed, rather than a very high maximum speed, being somewhat 'fat' for length is helpful. Besides, orca are fairly chunky animals as well.

Blue whales travel the oceans because their migratory patterns keep them moving to new places constantly, their huge energy requirements would otherwise have them completely depleting local stocks rapidly, leading to death by thirst before they can even starve (whales get all their water from their food, not by drinking seawater). They travel long distances because they're constantly migrating, not because they're super efficient.

Being up to 100 feet long makes them quite efficient compared to orca at 20-odd, and the blue whale's travelling speed of about 20 km/h is pretty fast and they wouldn't be moving at that speed if it wasn't efficient.