"The Depths Unveiled: Discovering the Deepest-Diving Mammal"
Cuvier's beaked whales, specifically one tagged individual, hold the record for the deepest recorded dive by a mammal, reaching a depth of 9,816 feet (2,992 meters). These mid-size whales have specialized adaptations that allow them to dive for extended periods, including high concentrations of oxygen-storing proteins in their blood, a slow metabolism, and the ability to flatten their lungs to withstand high pressure. While their exact diet is unknown, they are believed to forage for food, possibly squid, during their dives. Other deep-diving mammals include southern elephant seals and sperm whales.
