Hammerhead Sharks “Hold Their Breath” To Avoid Freezing During Deep Water Dives
Scientists from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa have discovered that scalloped hammerhead sharks employ a unique strategy to stay warm during deep-sea dives in cold waters. These sharks, unlike most species, dive thousands of feet into frigid depths in search of prey. The study involved fitting special sensors on the sharks' backs off the coast of Oahu, allowing researchers to track their internal body temperature, water temperature, and diving depth. The sharks were observed closing their gills during deep dives to prevent heat loss, maintaining elevated body temperatures. This behavior helps them endure the cold, but researchers note it also limits their oxygen supply. The study suggests this strategy provides an evolutionary advantage but makes them vulnerable to human activities like deep-sea mining and large-scale fishing. Scalloped hammerheads are critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss.
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