Measurement (mass & weight): Blue Whale

Further Challenges

• Here are some more impressive number facts about the mighty blue whale:

1. Blue whales can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes.
2. Blue whale calves must drink around 190 litres of milk a day.
3. Calves increase their body mass by around 90 kg a day.
4. A blue whale’s heart beats about 5 times per minute.
5. A blue whale has an average lifespan of 80 – 90 years.
6. The longest blue whale ever recorded was 33.5 m
7. The global population of blue whales is estimated to be between 10,000 and 25,000.

Which of the above facts surprised you the most? Why?

Using your research skills, see if you can find out some similar number facts for humans. How do they compare?