ADAPTATIONS & PHYSIOLOGY OF

CETACEAHow they are successful in the

deep, blue sea!!

Adaptations for diving underwater:

Involves circulatory & respiratory systems Problems: depth & length of time

underwater Before diving whale inhales large breath &

blows it out Oxygen is absorbed rapidly due to large lungs &

many red blood cells (RBC) Oxygen moves into myoglobin & is stored.

Breathing Continuation Exhale: lungs & ribcage collapse which

reduces pressure difference No nitrogen is absorbed During dive: blood flow is reduced to body

except brain & heart Slower metabolic rate

Whale re-surfaces Blowout spout of vapor & nitrogen gas Inhale and exhale process repeats Whale does not experience decompression

sickness, “the bends” like humans do.

Cetacea Intelligence Have large brains Brain is convoluted and thick Can learn behaviors: defense,

entertainment Can use previous learning & apply to new

things