Why do whales sometimes dive so deep?
Quick Answer
Whales dive deep to find food, avoid predators, and exploit prey that live far below the surface. Deep-diving species are built with special adaptations for storing oxygen and managing pressure.
The Full Story
Sperm whales, beaked whales, and some other species make extraordinary dives to hunt squid and fish in deep waters. They can store extra oxygen in their blood and muscles, slow their heart rate, and redirect blood flow to vital organs during long submergence. Sperm whales have been recorded diving well over 1,000 meters, and some beaked whales can dive even deeper and for longer than an hour. Deep diving gives access to prey that surface predators cannot easily reach, reducing competition. These dives are among the most extreme feats of vertebrate physiology in the ocean.
Key Facts
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