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Oxygen storage in beavers
Summary
Beavers have limited oxygen stores for diving, despite their 15-minute submersion ability. Their total oxygen storage capacity is significantly less than that of marine mammals like harbor seals.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Comparative Biology
- Mammalian Physiology
Background:
- Beavers are known for their diving capabilities, often submerging for up to 15 minutes.
- Understanding the physiological adaptations for diving in semi-aquatic mammals is crucial for comparative biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the total oxygen storage capacity in wild beavers.
- To compare the oxygen stores of beavers with those of marine diving mammals.
Main Methods:
- Ten wild beavers were anesthetized with pentobarbital.
- Key physiological parameters including total lung capacity, hemoglobin, blood volume, and myoglobin were measured.
- These values were used to calculate the total oxygen storage capacity.
Main Results:
- Beavers exhibit a total lung capacity of 60.5 +/- 4.8 ml/kg.
- Hemoglobin levels were measured at 12.4 +/- 1.5 g/100 ml, and blood volume was 6.5 +/- 0.8% of body mass.
- Myoglobin concentration was 1.2 +/- 0.3 g/100 mg, indicating relatively modest oxygen stores compared to marine divers.
Conclusions:
- Despite being capable divers, beavers possess limited oxygen storage capacity.
- Beaver oxygen stores are approximately one-third of those found in marine diving mammals, such as the harbor seal.