Whales to the Rescue: How Whales Help Engineer the Planet (Ecosystem Guardians)

In this unique and visually engaging book, marine biologist Adrienne Mason explores how whales are 'ecosystem engineers' that play a vital role in maintaining the health of the ocean and the planet. Whales help reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by storing large amounts of carbon in their bodies, which is then sequestered in the ocean when they die and sink to the ocean floor. Additionally, whales contribute to feeding phytoplankton by depositing nutrients into the ocean, which helps draw more carbon from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. The book provides detailed information on different types of whales, their diets, migration patterns, and the broader ecological impact they have. It also discusses the consequences of global warming and the positive effects whales have in combating it. Illustrated by Kim Smith and part of the Ecosystem Guardians series, the book is designed to educate children on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the significant role whales play in preserving a healthy planet.