The bodies of aquatic mammals such as whales and seals are adapted to withstand the waves and intense pressure of the ocean while underwater without air for long periods because, unlike fish, they are only able to obtain oxygen by breathing in air at the water’s surface. Now scientists have figured out which of these animals dives deeper than the others.
In 2010, scientists placed satellite beacons on beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) off the California coast, which are medium-sized whales that live in temperate and tropical waters around the world. Thus, they were able to establish their outstanding diving ability.
One of the eight tagged beaked whales dived to a depth of almost 3 kilometers! Moreover, one of these whales also spent more than two hours underwater.
