How is possible for a sperm whale to dive to 1000 m ?

Subject: How is possible for a sperm whale to dive to 1000 m ?

Date: Fri Nov 10 16:03:04 2000
Posted by Erik
Grade level: grad (science) School: No school entered.
City: Amsterdam State/Province: No state entered. Country: Netherlands
Area of science: Zoology
ID: 973890184.Zo

Message:


Sperm whales are said to dive down to more than 1000 meter, after taking a 
breath at the surface. When they take a breath at the surface the pressure 
of the air is 1 bar. Approximately the same as the pressure of the 
surrounding water. However at 1000 meter depth the pressure of the 
surrouding water is 100 bar. How do they cope with this tremendous 
difference in pressure without breaking any ribs ?

Re: How is possible for a sperm whale to dive to 1000 m ?

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