Why don't diving seals drown? Scientists finally have an answer

Npr - Mar 26th, 2025

Ecologist Chris McKnight and his team at the University of St. Andrews have uncovered a groundbreaking discovery about seals' ability to perceive and manage their internal oxygen levels during dives. This finding was inspired by McKnight's observations at the free-diving world championships, where human divers frequently experienced blackouts due to misjudging their oxygen levels. Through an innovative experiment involving varied oxygen and CO2 exposures, the researchers demonstrated that seals adjust their dive lengths based on oxygen levels, rather than carbon dioxide, which is typically the trigger for the urge to breathe in most mammals.

This novel understanding of seals' physiological adaptations provides significant insights into marine mammal biology and the evolution of diving capabilities. The study suggests a potential reconfiguration in how seals' brains process oxygen information, which might be shared with other aquatic mammals, reptiles, and birds. These findings could pave the way for further research into the cognitive processes that allow certain species to thrive underwater and may have broader implications for understanding evolutionary convergences in diving animals.

Science Journal Chris Mc Knight University Of St. Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit Free Diving Oxygen Perception Marine Biology Seals

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively communicates the findings of a recent scientific study on seals' ability to perceive oxygen levels, making it accessible to a general audience. It excels in clarity and readability, breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms. The use of credible sources, such as the journal *Science*, enhances its accuracy, though it could benefit from more detailed information about the study's methodology and additional expert perspectives for balance. While the article is timely and of public interest, its impact and engagement could be increased by exploring broader implications or applications of the research. Overall, the article provides a solid foundation for readers interested in marine biology and animal behavior, though it may not capture the attention of a wider audience due to its specialized focus.

Accuracy

The story provides a largely accurate account of a scientific study on seals' ability to perceive oxygen levels. It correctly attributes the research to Chris McKnight and his colleagues and accurately describes the experimental setup and findings. The mention of the study being published in the journal *Science* adds credibility, as this is a respected source. However, some details, such as the exact number of seals and dives monitored, are not specified, which could affect precision. Additionally, the story's assertion that this is the first time such an ability has been observed in an animal is a strong claim that would benefit from further verification.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the researchers involved in the study, particularly Chris McKnight. While it includes a quote from Michael Tift, a biologist not involved in the study, the article could benefit from more diverse viewpoints, such as those of other marine biologists or free-diving experts. This would provide a more balanced view of the implications of the study's findings. The article does not show overt bias, but the inclusion of additional perspectives could enhance its completeness.

Clarity

The article is well-written and clearly explains complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner. It uses straightforward language and a logical structure, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. The story effectively conveys the significance of the research without overwhelming readers with technical jargon. The clarity of the article is one of its strengths, as it allows a general audience to comprehend the findings and their implications.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including the journal *Science*, which is a reputable publication. It includes direct quotes from Chris McKnight and Michael Tift, lending authority to the claims made. However, the article could enhance its source quality by providing more detailed information about the study's methodology and including perspectives from additional experts in the field. This would help readers assess the reliability of the findings more thoroughly.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its main source, the study published in *Science*, and provides some details about the experimental setup. However, it lacks a detailed explanation of the methodology and does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as funding sources for the research. Greater transparency about these aspects would improve the article's credibility and allow readers to better understand the context and potential biases influencing the study.