Final answer:
The blue whale and Adelie penguin are similar as consumers because they both have a layer of blubber for insulation and are integral parts of the Antarctic food web, with the whale consuming krill and small fish and the penguin eating krill, fish, and squid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blue whale and the Adelie penguin are alike as consumers in that they both obtain energy by consuming other organisms within their respective food webs. As marine animals, they have adaptations that allow them to thrive in their harsh and cold environments. Both species possess a layer of blubber that helps insulate their bodies and maintain a high internal body temperature, which is critical for their survival in the cold waters of the Antarctic. Furthermore, they contribute to the balance of their ecosystems by participating in the food web as predators, the whale primarily consuming krill and small fish, while the penguin may feed on krill, fish, and squid. This feeding behavior places both animals at different levels within the food web, with the blue whale often being an apex predator and the Adelie penguin acting as both a predator and prey within the Antarctic food chain.