What structure forms the specialized internal barrier for filtering prey in whale sharks?
Answer
Black, sieve-like pads believed to be modified gill rakers
The core of the whale shark's sophisticated feeding strategy lies in a specialized internal apparatus situated within the gill slits. This structure is composed of unique, black, sieve-like pads, which researchers hypothesize are actually modified gill rakers. These pads create a highly efficient barrier during the filtration process. As the shark expels the ingested water, this filter mechanism successfully retains organisms typically exceeding 2 to 3 millimeters in size, allowing virtually only fluid to pass through. The retained solids are then channeled toward the back of the throat for swallowing, making these pads crucial for nutrient acquisition.
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