Blue Whale

+The **Blue Whale** (*Balaenoptera musculus*) is the largest animal known to have ever lived, a majestic giant of the deep [Ocean](/wiki/ocean). Reaching lengths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and weighing over 180 metric tons (200 short tons), it surpasses even the largest [Dinosaur](/wiki/dinosaur). This gentle [Whale](/wiki/whale) glides through the world's waters, famed for its resonant vocalizations that travel vast distances. Their low-frequency calls, which can reach 188 decibels, are the loudest animal sounds on [Earth](/wiki/earth) and can communicate across hundreds of miles. Despite its immense size, the blue whale feeds almost exclusively on tiny [Krill](/wiki/krill), consuming up to 4 tons per day. They are found in all [Ocean](/wiki/ocean)s, migrating from polar feeding grounds to warmer breeding waters.

+## Evolution

+Blue whales belong to the suborder [Baleen Whale](/wiki/baleen_whale)s (Mysticeti), which diverged from [Toothed Whale](/wiki/toothed_whale)s (Odontoceti) approximately 34 million years ago during the [Oligocene](/wiki/oligocene) epoch. Their lineage traces back to terrestrial [Mammal](/wiki/mammal)s that returned to the sea over 50 million years ago. Early whale ancestors, like *Pakicetus*, were four-legged land animals.

+The **Blue Whale** (*Balaenoptera musculus*) is the largest animal known to have ever lived, a majestic giant of the deep [Ocean](/wiki/ocean). This gentle [Whale](/wiki/whale) glides through the world's waters, famed for its resonant vocalizations that travel vast distances.

+## See also

+- [Humpback Whale](/wiki/humpback_whale)

+- [Marine Mammal](/wiki/marine_mammal)

+- [Endangered Species](/wiki/endangered_species)