Why do some whales dive so deep?
Quick Answer
Deep-diving whales chase prey like squid and fish that live far below the surface. Their bodies are adapted with large oxygen stores and pressure-tolerant physiology.
The Full Story
Sperm whales and some beaked whales are capable of remarkable dives because their prey often lives in the deep scattering layer or even deeper. They store oxygen in blood and muscle more efficiently than many land mammals and can slow their heart rate during long dives. Sperm whales have been recorded diving to depths well over 1,000 metres and staying submerged for more than an hour. These dives help them reach squid that would be unavailable near the surface. Deep diving is one of the most striking examples of mammalian adaptation to the ocean.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"How whales survive where the pressure is crushing"