Named the largest omnivorous animals
It was previously thought that these were Kodiak brown bears living in Alaska.
Australian scientists have found that whale sharks love to eat not only small animals, but also algae, which makes this fish the largest omnivore on our planet. The Guardian writes about it.
The article notes that until now, brown bears from Alaska were considered such predatory and large.
Ichthyologists made the discovery while studying whale sharks off Ningaloo Reef off the western coast of the continent. In particular, they biopsied a shark and compared the amino acid and fatty acid composition of its body (as well as feces) with different types of food. Turns out they eat everything.
Marine biologist Mark Mikan explained that whale sharks have become omnivorous in an attempt to survive in a world where there is not enough food for such giants.
These animals digest everything that can get into their mouths, Mikan specified. .
Scientists have noted that whale sharks