Scientists have made a remarkable discovery about seals that reveals how they excel as deep divers. Dr. Chris McKnight, a researcher from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, has been studying the factors that allow seals to hold their breath for extended periods underwater. His work at the University of St Andrews has shed light on a unique ability that sets these marine mammals apart.
Seals can not only store oxygen efficiently but can also sense the oxygen levels in their blood. This means they can gauge how long they can remain underwater without running out of air. Dr. McKnight describes this finding as “incredibly exciting,” highlighting the significance of this adaptation for marine mammals’ evolution.
The adaptation is vital for seals, walruses, and potentially other diving animals. It allows them to spend much of their lives underwater without surfacing for air. Dr. McKnight emphasized, “It feels like something that has been right under our nose all this time.” The idea that seals can sense oxygen and use this knowledge to determine their dive duration places them among the most uniquely adapted species in the animal kingdom.
While researchers previously understood that seals could hold their breath for long stretches, this study marks the first time their ability to gauge dive time has been highlighted. Over nearly a year, six juvenile seals were observed at the Sea Mammal Research Unit. These seals dived in a controlled environment where scientists adjusted the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the air they breathed.
The results showed that the duration of a seal’s dive increased when more oxygen was available. Interestingly, the seals displayed little sensitivity to carbon dioxide levels, unlike many other species. This insight provides a clearer understanding of how seals manage their dives and enhances our knowledge of their behavior.
Dr. Joanna Kershaw, a co-author of the study, praised the team’s efforts and noted how exciting it has been to explore these animals and uncover the reasons for their adaptations.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in how marine mammals navigate their environments and the physiological traits that aid their survival. In fact, marine mammal research has led to significant strides in fields like conservation and marine biology. Currently, the research continues to evolve, bringing new insights that could help protect these animals and their habitats.
For more details on marine mammal adaptations and the work of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, you can find additional information from the BBC Science and Environment section. This ongoing research not only provides a better understanding of seals but also raises awareness about the ecological challenges these species face.
Check out this related article: Don’t Miss Out: Saturn’s Iconic Rings Set to Vanish This Weekend!
Source link