How do sea turtles breathe underwater?
Sea turtles are fascinating creatures that have adapted to life in the ocean. They are air-breathing reptiles and need to surface regularly to breathe. When sea turtles dive underwater, they rely on a variety of adaptations to help them hold their breath and extract oxygen from the water.
Sea turtles have powerful lungs that are specially adapted to allow them to stay underwater for long periods. They can hold their breath for up to several hours depending on the species, activity level, and water temperature. Before diving, sea turtles take a deep breath and then use their powerful flippers to push themselves down into the water.
While underwater, sea turtles slow down their heart rate, which allows them to conserve oxygen. They also have a unique system of blood vessels that allows them to extract oxygen directly from the water through the lining of their mouth and throat. This process is called buccal pumping and helps them extract up to 80% of the available oxygen from the water.
Sea turtles also have a specialized gland near their eyes called the salt gland that helps them excrete excess salt from their bodies. This adaptation allows them to drink saltwater and extract freshwater from it, which helps them stay hydrated and prolong their time underwater.
- Can You Tell The Age Of A Butterfly By The Number Of Spots On Its Wings
- What Are Some Of The Best Historical Landmarks In Abu Dhabi
- How Do Eagles Defend Themselves
- Does The Sony X900f Have A Built In Voice Assistant
- How Can I Manage And Reduce The Impact Of Digital Distractions On My Mental Well Being
- How Does Windows 11s New Snipping Tool Compare To Windows 10s Snip Sketch App
- How Did The Sumerians Influence The Development Of Writing And Literature
- How Can You Effectively Handle Job Interview Questions About Your Biggest Professional Challenges
- What Are Some Ways To Stay Up To Date On The Latest Fashion Trends
- What Is The Worlds Most Widely Consumed Type Of Vegetable Oil