Diving Mammals

Abstract

The ability of diving mammals to forage at depth on a breath hold of air is dependent on gas exchange, both in the lung and in peripheral tissues. Anatomical and physiological adaptations in the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, blood and peripheral tissues contribute to the remarkable breath-hold capacities of these animals. The end results of these adaptations include efficient ventilation, enhanced oxygen storage, regulated transport and delivery of respiratory gases, extreme hypoxemic/ischemic tolerance, and pressure tolerance.

Respiratory properties of blood in the harbor porpoise,Phocoena phocoena

“…Whales rely on O 2 stores in lung, blood and muscles to sustain aerobic metabolism during dives (Butler and Jones, 1997;Ponganis, 2011). O 2 stores are therefore slowly depleted, while the metabolic CO 2 production leads to an increase in internal CO 2 tensions (Ponganis, 2011).…”

“…O 2 stores are therefore slowly depleted, while the metabolic CO 2 production leads to an increase in internal CO 2 tensions (Ponganis, 2011). Ideally, in the harbor porpoise, O 2 stores should be refilled and CO 2 fully eliminated as result of the single breath while surfacing.…”

After 73 Years, Still the Foundation of Diving Physiology Research

“…And since that time, diving physiologists have attempted to examine the nature of these physiological/metabolic/ biochemical responses in free-diving animals in order to better understand the mechanisms of hypoxemic (low oxygen) tolerance, ischemic (low blood flow) tolerance and pressure tolerance, as well as explore the physiological limits of the foraging behavior and ecology of these animals. The findings and hypotheses of this monograph have remained the core of diving physiology research, as evidenced in major reviews of diving physiology, both past and recent (Blix and Folkow, 1983;Butler and Jones, 1982;Butler and Jones, 1997;Elsner and Gooden, 1983;Kooyman, 1989;Kooyman and Ponganis, 1998;Ponganis, 2011;Ponganis et al, 2011;Ramirez et al, 2007;Zapol, 1996).…”

Characterization of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha gene in the sperm whale, beluga whale, and Yangtze finless porpoise

“…The sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus, is one of the most remarkable divers in the world in terms of both depth and duration; they are able to dive to depths of greater than 2000 m (Ponganis 2011) and can stay submerged for 138 min (Slater et al 2010). They inhale air and then collapse their lungs to reduce nitrogen intake and decrease oxygen consumption during diving (Reed et al 2000).…”