Why Do Whales Have Blubber?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do whales have blubber?

The Big Idea

Blubber is a thick layer of fat under a whale's skin. It does three jobs: it keeps heat in, it stores energy, and it helps the whale float. It is a coat, a snack pack, and a life jacket in one!

Cold Water Touches Skin

Step one: cold water touches the skin. Water pulls heat away from a body much faster than air does. A whale would get very cold without help.

The Fat Layer Slows Heat Loss

Step two: the fat layer slows heat loss. Fat is a poor heat conductor, so heat leaks out slowly. Some whales have blubber that is a foot thick or more.

Fuel and Float

Step three: stored energy waits for the trip, and extra fat helps the body float. On long journeys, a whale can live off its blubber. Fat is lighter than water, so it helps a whale stay afloat. That lets it cross cold seas!

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look inside a whale! The outer skin is thin. The blubber layer is thick and warm. And the muscle core is underneath, powering the swim.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A newborn calf has less blubber, which is one reason mothers pick warm water to give birth. Fat holds heat in much better than thin fur does underwater. Blubber helps a whale float. And give whales space. Blubber is their gear, not yours.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, fill a bowl with ice water. Coat one finger in a thick layer of shortening, and put both fingers in. Which finger feels warmer? Why would fat beat fur in the ocean? And what three jobs is blubber doing?

Outro

Blubber is built-in winter gear that also pays for the journey. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!