How do whales breathe?
Wobble answers for ages 4–9, then goes 1 step deeper each time a child asks why.
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Wobble says
Whales live in the sea, but they breathe air, so they swim up to the top. On top of a whale's head is its blowhole, a bit like a nose. Pfoosh! Out puffs a big spout, then in goes fresh air. Then a flap seals the blowhole tight, and down the whale dives.
Checked against Blue whale (Monterey Bay Aquarium)
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How can whales stay underwater so long?
Remember the oxygen that fish take out of the water? Whales need it too. A whale's blood and muscles are extra good at storing oxygen. So when a whale dives, it carries a big supply all through its body. Some whales can stay under for more than two hours!
Checked against Secrets of the deepest diving whales (Natural History Museum)
In Lil' Phil, reaching the bottom of this wonder earns a sticker for Wobble's collection.
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