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Sea elephants take a nap while diving. A remarkable discovery by scientists
Scientists have discovered that sea elephants sleep while diving. In addition to regeneration, the researchers say it’s also a method of avoiding confrontation with other predators.
Mirounga are a genus of marine mammals in the seal family. These animals are commonly referred to as sea elephants, mainly because of their large size and the males’ trumpet-like mouths. They reach 3.5 to 5 meters in length, with females ranging from 2.15 to 3.5 meters. The largest individuals can reach a body weight that is as high as 3,700 kg.
How long do sea elephants sleep?
They feed mainly on fish and cephalopods. The species M. angustirostris is mainly found in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, the Aleutians, the Gulf of Alaska and west of North America and south to central Lower California. M. leonina, on the other hand, lives in the circumpolar area, mainly in the subantarctic zone.
The appearance of these mammals may suggest that they have taken a liking to a lazy life and regular naps on beaches. However, scientists have so far been unsure how much sleep these animals need during months-long periods spent in deep waters. A recent study found that not much, as little as two hours a day.
