When an aquatic mammal begins to dive, it actually exhales and pushes oxygen out of its lungs. This decreases its
buoyancy so it doesn't have to use as much energy to fight the tendency to rise to the surface. So, how can these
animals stay under for so long if they aren't "holding their breath?"
Observe the following graphs. Compare where the 3 animals (2 mammals and 1 bird) store their oxygen.
Human
= Blood =Muscle =Lungs
25%
16%
59%
Comparison of stored oxygen distribution.
Data sources [43, 44, 45, 46]
Elephant seal = Blood =Muscle =Lungs
25%
4%
71%
Emperor penguin = Blood =Muscle =Lungs
19%
34%
47%
Comparison of oxygen stores in 3 Animals
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Emperor penguin
Blood Muscle Lungs
Elephant
Seal
= Blood =Muscle =Lungs
Region where oxygen is stored
Explain the similarities and differences among where the different species store their oxygen.
What major process that requires oxygen do organisms perform to produce energy?
Explain how the oxygen these animals breathe in makes it to their cells to perform this energy producing process.