Unlocking the Mystery of Grey Seals: Researchers’ Surprising Discoveries from Their Unique Tank Experiment | Discover Wildlife

Human freedivers can dive deep on just one breath. They do this by overbreathing to clear out carbon dioxide (CO₂), which usually triggers the urge to breathe. However, this method can be risky. Freedivers can black out underwater, so they often have scuba teams on standby to help if needed.

In contrast, seals dive deep for long periods without losing consciousness. This curious behavior caught the attention of marine ecologist Chris McKnight and his team at the University of St Andrews. They wanted to know how seals manage such impressive dives.

To investigate, they brought in six grey seals from the wild and placed them in a special underwater tank. This tank had a feeding area and a dome filled with air, where the seals could come up for breath, similar to how they would surface through ice.

The scientists tested different air mixtures in the breathing dome. They started with normal air—21% oxygen and minimal CO₂—and then altered the levels of oxygen and CO₂. They measured how long the seals stayed underwater with each mixture.

Initially, the researchers believed that high oxygen levels would allow seals to dive longer, while higher CO₂ would shorten their dives, just like in humans. But they were surprised to find that CO₂ levels did not affect the dive length at all. However, low oxygen levels did play a role.

The key takeaway from their research was that seals monitor their oxygen levels, rather than CO₂. This means they decide when to surface based on their oxygen supply. Unlike humans, whose bodies react involuntarily to CO₂ levels, seals can make conscious choices about when to return for air, which helps them avoid drowning.

This understanding of seal physiology not only highlights their unique adaptations but also contributes to our knowledge of marine life. In fact, a study from the Marine Mammal Science journal published in 2021 found that seals can also slow their heart rates during dives, further conserving oxygen. This intricate relationship between oxygen management and diving behavior sheds light on how these creatures thrive in their underwater habitats.

Wildlife enthusiasts often share these incredible insights on social media, celebrating how nature adapts to challenges. Exploring how animals like seals and humans approach their breathing techniques can inspire further interest in marine biology and conservation efforts.

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