Answer:
(Just so you no I'm no professional):
The scientist studying the whale and its surroundings would need to understand the structure of atoms because everything is made up of atoms, and atoms are very vital for the study of life. The structures of living things and organisms are very different compared to each other, therefore, the scientists would have to study the organisms surrounding the whale, because they would be different compared to organisms on land. He/she would need to see what organisms affect the whale in a positive and/or negative way.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atoms are very important for the study of biology, therefore, the scientist would have to study how the living things affect the whale.