Whale Sharks and Filter Feeding

Whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, feed on tiny plankton, which is abundant in the ocean. They are one of three shark species that filter feed, using pads to filter plankton through their throats. These sharks can filter over 160,000 gallons of water per hour, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in four hours.

What is the primary diet of the largest fish in the sea?

• Crustaceans

• Seaweed

• Plankton

• Small fish

How do whale sharks consume their food?

• By filter feeding through pads

• By using their teeth to chew

• By hunting in packs

• By swallowing whole fish

How many known shark species filter feed on microscopic plants and animals?

• Two

• Four

• Three

• One

Which of the following is true about whale sharks?

• They are the smallest species of shark.

• They can filter more than 160,000 gallons of water per hour.

• They are the only sharks that filter feed.

• They primarily feed on large fish.

How long does it take for a whale shark to filter enough water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool?

• Two hours

• Four hours

• Six hours

• Eight hours