Question

A northern right whale migrates from warm waters off Florida to cooler waters off Nova Scotia, Canada. In which area do you think more thermal energy would move from the whale to its environment? Explain.

A. More thermal energy moves from the whale to the environment in Florida due to warm water.
B. More thermal energy moves from the whale to the environment in Nova Scotia due to cool water.
C. Thermal energy transfer is balanced in both locations.
D. Thermal energy transfer depends on other factors and cannot be determined.

Answer 1

More thermal energy moves from the whale to its environment in the cooler waters off Nova Scotia due to the larger temperature difference between the whale and the environment, facilitated by adaptations like the countercurrent heat exchanger and blubber for insulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The amount of thermal energy that moves from a northern right whale to its environment would be greater in the cooler waters off Nova Scotia, Canada. The greater the temperature difference between the whale and its surroundings, the more thermal energy is transferred. In Florida's warm waters, the temperature difference between the whale and the environment is lesser, hence less thermal energy moves from the whale to the environment. In Nova Scotia's cool waters, the difference is greater, which causes more thermal energy to move from the whale's body to the surrounding cooler water.

Whales have adapted to their environment through various means, including having veins and arteries close together for a countercurrent heat exchanger and a thick layer of blubber to insulate and minimize heat loss. This is important for survival, especially in cold water conditions where thermal energy transfer potential is high.