Scientist reveals seals gauge dive time through oxygen sensing
- Dr. Chris McKnight studied seals' ability to manage their dive durations based on oxygen levels.
- The research involved observing juvenile seals and testing how dive duration varies with oxygen availability.
- These findings reveal a key evolutionary adaptation that enhances the survival of marine mammals.
In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Chris McKnight from County Antrim, Northern Ireland, conducted research over several months on seals at the Sea Mammal Research Unit located at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Throughout this time, he focused on understanding the physiological and cognitive processes that enable these marine mammals to hold their breath for extended periods while diving. This research marks a significant advancement in the understanding of how marine mammals have adapted to their aquatic environments. Previously, scientists were aware that seals could hold their breath longer than many other species, but the mechanisms enabling this capability were not completely understood. Dr. McKnight's study revealed that seals possess a unique sensor that allows them to assess oxygen levels in their blood, which is vital for managing their dive durations. The research involved observing six juvenile seals over nearly a year, during which their behaviors were tested by manipulating the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the air they breathed. The findings underscore that while the availability of oxygen directly affects dive duration, seals do not respond to rising carbon dioxide levels in the same way other species do. This sensitivity to oxygen helps seals make critical decisions on when to surface for air, ensuring they do not exhaust their oxygen supply while submerged. The implications of this research extend beyond seals to potentially impact our understanding of other breath-hold diving animals, including certain bird and reptile species. As Dr. Joanna Kershaw, who co-authored the report, noted, exploring these extraordinary abilities of marine mammals provides a glimpse into the evolutionary adaptations that enable them to thrive in environments lacking access to air. This research not only enriches the scientific community's knowledge but also highlights the evolutionary significance of cognitive abilities in marine mammals like seals and walruses.