"The Depths Unveiled: Discovering the Deepest-Diving Mammal"
Cuvier's beaked whales, specifically, have been found to be the deepest-diving mammals, with one individual recorded diving down to 9,816 feet (2,992 meters) and staying underwater for over 2 hours. These whales possess adaptations such as high concentrations of oxygen-storing proteins, a slow metabolism, and the ability to flatten their lungs to withstand the intense pressure at great depths. While their exact diet is still uncertain, it is believed that they primarily feed on squid. Other deep-diving mammals include southern elephant seals and sperm whales.