A researcher hailing from Northern Ireland has uncovered an extraordinary sensory ability that enables marine mammals to become unparalleled divers.
Dr. Chris McKnight from County Antrim has been investigating why seals can remain submerged without breathing for extended periods compared to numerous other species, as part of his research at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
He discovered that, apart from effectively storing oxygen, they possess a distinctive capability to mentally monitor the levels in their bloodstream to avoid running low and drowning.
"It's tremendously exciting to discover such a crucial element of marine mammal evolution, which plays a vital role in much of their behavior—especially diving," Dr. McKnight stated.
He stated that the adaptation was crucial for the development of marine mammals such as seals and walruses, enabling them—and possibly other breath-holding divers like birds and reptiles—to reside mostly underwater without needing air for extended periods during dives.
"Discovering such a crucial element of marine mammal evolution, which plays a significant role in their ability to dive, is immensely thrilling," stated Dr. McKnight.
It seems like something that was right beneath our noses all along.
"It may appear straightforward and logical that seals can detect oxygen levels, which aids them in making choices to avoid running out of air and drowning; however, from an evolutionary standpoint, this places both them and their physiological mechanisms among the most distinctively adapted creatures," he explained.
While scientists knew How do mammals manage to remain underwater without breathing for such extended periods? , they were unaware that they were being evaluated based on the duration of their dives.
To determine this, six young seals were examined at the university's Sea Mammal Research Unit over nearly a year, assessing how they modified their behavior based on varying levels of oxygen availability.
Seals such as Trish and Oisin voluntarily dove into the unit's pool to catch fish while under observation.
The atmospheres they encountered had been modified to change the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
The length of each dive increased with greater access to oxygen, though carbon dioxide played no role in this effect.
This indicated that the seals are less susceptible to carbon dioxide compared to some other species.
Dr Joanna Kershaw, one of the report’s authors, commended the skills and commitment of the research team.
She exclaimed, 'It has been incredibly thrilling to collaborate with these remarkable creatures and discover one of the key factors behind their exceptional adaptation to their habitat.'
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