Whales primarily obtain water through their diet and can also drink seawater, thanks to their highly specialized kidneys.
Whales don't drink water in the same way humans do, by gulping down large amounts. Instead, their water intake occurs through two primary mechanisms:
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Diet: Whales consume large quantities of small sea creatures like krill, fish, and squid. These prey animals contain water, which is absorbed during digestion. This is a major source of hydration for them.
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Seawater and Kidney Function: Whales can drink seawater. However, the high salt content poses a challenge. Whales have evolved specialized kidneys that are incredibly efficient at filtering out salt from the seawater they ingest or the water contained in their food. This process allows them to retain the water they need while excreting the excess salt in highly concentrated urine.
In essence, whales have adapted to thrive in a marine environment by efficiently extracting water from their food and by possessing the physiological ability to process seawater for hydration.
