Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that inhabit the world's oceans, forming a crucial part of the marine food web. They are filter feeders, consuming phytoplankton and zooplankton, and are, in turn, a primary food source for numerous marine animals, including whales, seals, penguins, and fish. krill typically live in large swarms, which can sometimes be observed as dense, reddish patches in the water. Their abundance and importance make them a key indicator of ecosystem health, and they are also a target for commercial fishing, particularly in the Antarctic.
Krill meaning with examples
- Humpback whales migrate to feed on massive krill swarms in the nutrient-rich waters of the Southern Ocean. Their baleen filters efficiently extract the tiny crustaceans from the water.
- Seals hunt krill as a primary source of energy and protein. The seals must dive to considerable depths to pursue krill, often putting the animals at risk.
- Scientists are studying the impact of climate change on krill populations, as warming ocean temperatures and increased acidification threaten their habitat and food supply.
- Penguins rely heavily on krill for sustenance, with reduced krill availability negatively impacting breeding success and chick survival rates. Thus, the entire ecosystem will have difficulties.
- The commercial harvesting of krill raises concerns about the sustainability of marine ecosystems, so the fishing industries need to act in unison to balance harvest with ecosystem sustainability.