Filter-feeding is a method used by various aquatic animals to obtain food by filtering small particles from the water. These animals, such as clams, oysters, and whales, have specialized structures that allow them to trap tiny organisms like plankton and detritus. They draw in water, extract the food, and expel the remaining water. This feeding strategy is efficient and allows filter-feeders to thrive in diverse environments, from oceans to freshwater lakes. By filtering large volumes of water, they play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting the aquatic food web, benefiting other organisms in their ecosystem.