Oxygen Storage and Diving Physiology in Marine Mammals

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary and concepts regarding the physiology of oxygen storage and management in diving marine mammals.

Oxygen storage locations in diving animals

Oxygen is stored in the lungs, muscles, blood, and liver.

Hemoglobin disadvantages

High levels of hemoglobin may lead to thick blood, toxically high iron levels, elevated blood pressure, and reduced capacity to transport CO2.

Compressible lungs in diving mammals

Allows for easier diving and prevents dangerous nitrogen storage, prioritizing CO2 management over O2 storage.

Oxygen stores comparison

Marine mammals generally have higher oxygen stores in blood and muscle compared to humans.

Blood oxygen concentration

Different species, such as seals and humans, have varied blood oxygen concentrations influenced by their metabolic needs.

Circulatory responses during dives

Circulatory patterns change significantly in marine mammals during submersion to manage oxygen use and conserve energy.

Organs receiving blood during dives

Primarily the heart, lungs, and brain receive blood during a long dive.

Long dive adaptations

Organs like the kidney and liver make little or no ATP, relying on anaerobic respiration and stored oxygen to survive.

Metabolic subdivisions in seals

During dives, muscle O2 depletes while blood remains high in oxygen, which helps sustain muscle activity.

Typical dive duration of Weddell seals

Most Weddell seals' dives last around 20 to 25 minutes, although some can exceed one hour.