Dive Response in Marine Mammals

What percentage of oxygen can humans hold in their blood compared to their lungs?

What biological components are primarily responsible for oxygen storage in mammals that dive?

Which species has the highest amount of hemoglobin mentioned in the content?

What maximum diving depth can northern elephant seals reach?

What is the relationship between the amount of hemoglobin/myoglobin and diving depth capability?

What physiological adaptation allows marine mammals to manage their heart rate during dives?

At what heart rate does a Weddell seal's heart drop when diving to 16m depth?

Which adaptation is NOT associated with marine mammals when they dive?

How does increased hemoglobin concentration benefit marine mammals during a dive?

What is the effect of myoglobin concentration in marine mammals during diving?

Which of the following figures provides information about dive statistics for air-breathing mammals?

What happens to blood flow in marine mammals while they are diving?

What happens to blood volume in marine mammals as they dive?

Dive Response in Marine Mammals

Marine mammals have a dive response that allows them to stay underwater for extended periods
This response involves physiological adaptations for oxygen storage and use

Physiological Adaptations

Increased blood volume: Blood volume increases by 2-3 times compared to terrestrial mammals.
Higher hemoglobin concentration: Hemoglobin concentration is 2 times greater in marine mammals compared to terrestrial mammals
Increased myoglobin concentration: Myoglobin, an oxygen-binding protein, is present in much higher concentrations in marine mammals (over 10x) compared to terrestrial mammals.
Increased oxygen carrying capacity: Together, these factors enhance the animal's ability to store and transport oxygen.
Splenic contraction: This action increases the hematocrit (red blood cell concentration) to increase oxygen carrying capacity
Glycogen tissue storage: Marine mammals have a greater storage of glycogen which provides an alternative energy source
Increased buffering capacity: Improves the body's ability to resist rapid changes in pH during metabolic reactions.
Capillary density: Increased capillary density enhances oxygen delivery to muscles during diving
Vascular control: This allows for better regulation of blood flow to critical tissues during dives

Heart Rate During Diving

Heart rate slows down significantly when marine mammals dive, up to 35bpm in Weddell seals, to conserve oxygen.

Oxygen Storage Comparison

Different types of mammals store oxygen at different percentages
Humans store oxygen primarily in the blood vessels (58%), but in the muscles (25-30%).
Seals, on the other hand, store oxygen in high concentrations in various parts of their body, such as the blood, muscles, and myoglobin
This varies between species

Dive Statistics

Dive statistics, such as maximum depth, duration, and storage capacities, vary significantly among different marine mammals (e.g., leatherback turtles, bottlenose dolphins, emperor penguins, northern elephant seals, beaked whales, sperm whales)

Explore the fascinating physiological adaptations of marine mammals that enable them to dive for extended periods. Learn about increased blood volume, hemoglobin and myoglobin concentrations, and the unique mechanisms that enhance their oxygen carrying capacity. This quiz delves into essential concepts related to marine biology and animal physiology.