by James Johnson

Created on: January 11, 2009

There are 12 types of Baleen Whale, and they are considered the largest creatures on Earth. Ironically enough, they feed on the smallest creatures on Earth, zooplankton. Is this important to humans and why? What possible effect could the loss of baleen whales have upon humans? Unfortunately, the planet may soon find out!

For starters, all creatures are important for maintaining proper balances in the ecosystems of the world. The biggest ecosystem in the world today isn't the rain forests, it is the oceans; they cover over 75% of the Earth's surface. The oceans are essential for carbon and oxygen levels in the atmosphere, as well as planetary temperatures and water! Baleen whales live and travel in those oceans, and keep things in balance.

Zooplankton refers to the small microscopic creatures that float around in the waters of the seas. They eat phytoplankton, microscopic plants that also float around in the seas. The phytoplankton utilises sunlight and absorbs carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates. These carbohydrates remove carbon dioxide from the air and were the original building blocks for all food sources on the planet!

Baleen whales have large filter units in their mouth that sieve the water and remove the zooplankton, expelling out the rest back into the salt water. If Whales did not do this, the zooplankton could get out of control and destroy all the phytoplankton. The phytoplankton no longer removes the carbon dioxide, so that accumulates and helps create greenhouse gases!

This means baleen whales can help offset or decrease global warming, and every little bit is currently needed. Is that important to the human race?

Also, if there is not a proper balance between zooplankton and phytoplankton, other problems will develop. Much of the zooplankton is juvenile forms of jellyfish, of which only 1 out of 1000 should reach maturity; baleen whales help make that happen and decrease jellyfish populations. Also the phytoplankton is essential for many species of fish, so if it disappeared, so will fish species.

Fish is not only important for food, but many types are now used for vitamin sources and medicines. Baleen whales help the fish. Are vitamins and medicines important to the human race?

And if being able to breathe, eat, and maintain good health is not reason enough to say that baleen whales are important to the human race, how about entertainment and jobs? All types of whales are fascinating to watch and there are whole industries tied in to promoting this activity. The activity doesn't hurt people or the whales, and properly done helps those whale and the ecosystems survive.

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