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Blood temperature profiles of diving elephant seals
Jessica U Meir1, Paul J Ponganis
1Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0204, USA. meir@zoology.ubc.ca
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ
|March 26, 2010
Summary
Core hypothermia does not significantly aid long dives in northern elephant seals. Blood temperature changes suggest blood flow alterations, not cold effects, aid thermoregulation during dives.
Area of Science:
- Marine Mammal Physiology
- Thermoregulation
- Diving Physiology
Background:
- Hypothermia is proposed to reduce metabolic rate and prolong aerobic dive duration in marine animals.
- The role of core hypothermia in enabling repetitive, long-duration dives in northern elephant seals remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether core hypothermia contributes to the diving physiology of juvenile northern elephant seals.
- To assess the relationship between blood temperature and dive duration in this species.
Main Methods:
- Juvenile northern elephant seals were equipped with thermistors and backpack recorders to monitor blood temperature.
- Blood temperature profiles were analyzed in relation to dive duration.
Main Results:
- Core body temperatures showed a weak negative correlation with dive duration, not supporting significant hypothermia.
- Mean venous temperatures ranged from 36-38°C, and arterial temperatures ranged from 35-39°C.
- Transient temperature drops to 30-33°C occurred in dives longer than 30 minutes, but were infrequent.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that cold-induced metabolic suppression contributes to prolonged dives in northern elephant seals.
- Thermoregulation during dives likely involves alterations in blood flow and peripheral heat loss rather than significant core hypothermia.
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