What is whale color?
Most whales tend to be various shades of light to dark grey, blue and black, which may lighten or darken as the whale ages. Some whale species may also appear to be a brownish color while the beluga whale is born white.
Can whales collapse their lungs?
Deep diving whales and seals have reinforced airways that allow the lungs to collapse during the dive, preventing damage. The collapse forces the air away from the alveoli (where the gas exchange between the lungs and blood occurs). A problem that occurs with the collapsed lung is the oxygen exchange.
Are elephant seals in danger of becoming extinct today?
Today, there are somewhere between 120,000-150,000 elephant seals — a number likely close to their historic population. They have long since been removed from the endangered species list, though they are still protected in the U.S. by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Thankfully, they are a thriving species once again.
Why do elephant seals go so deep?
Jessica and Paul’s research has revealed that elephant seals can dive until the oxygen stores in their blood are nearly completely depleted, allowing them to stay down longer on the same amount of oxygen.
How can elephant seals dive for so long?
But champion divers, such as elephant seals, can hold their breath for about two hours. “It was known that they rely on internal oxygen stores when they’re down there,” said Michael Berenbrink, a zoologist at the University of Liverpool, England, who specializes in how animals function.
How long do navy seals hold their breath?
Navy SEALs must be able to hold their breath underwater for at least two minutes. In addition, they must perform this feat without producing bubbles.
Do seals sleep underwater?
Seals sleep in the water as well as on land. Because they are sleeping and not actively swimming, they can stay under water much longer than when hunting for food. There are known incidents where seals stay under water up to half an hour, however on the average, their stay is not longer than fifteen minutes.
Can a seal kill a human?
Although rare, there are a few records of adult leopard seals attacking humans. There has also been one fatality, when a researcher was snorkelling in Antarctic waters and was killed by a leopard seal.
Why can t you touch a seal?
Seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is against the law to touch, feed or otherwise harass seals. Harassment occurs whenever your behavior changes their behavior. The rule is to keep at least 50 yards, four car lengths, away — to give them their space.
How old is the average Navy SEAL?
20-30 years old