Why can some animals hold their breath for a really long time? I.e., turtles, dolphins, whales, etc… Do they have really big lungs for their size? Do they store oxygen in places other than their lungs? Do they have lower oxygen needs than humans? Are they just more efficient at using oxygen?

Question

Why can some animals hold their breath for a really long time? I.e., turtles, dolphins, whales, etc… Do they have really big lungs for their size? Do they store oxygen in places other than their lungs? Do they have lower oxygen needs than humans? Are they just more efficient at using oxygen?

In: 8

Answer 1

In addition “cold-blooded” or ectomorphs don’t be expend energy maintaining their body temperature and so they may go for much longer periods without taking a breath.