http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121017181244.htm
(Science Daily-Public Library of Science- October 17, 2012- Copyright 1992-2012)
A New Study Shows Dolphins Can Stay Alert and Perform Functions for 15-days strait without any Signs of Fatigue: (October 17, 2012 Discovery)
In an recent study, scientists have observed that Dolphins can utilize an interesting function in the brain in order to stay alert of its environment and surroundings.
Dolphins have been know to be one of the most intelligent ocean mammal on the planet. Dolphins are streamline shaped and can reach incredible speeds underwater with the help of toned muscle and slick skin. Dolphins also has one of the largest brain to body ratio like that of an octopus. With this characteristic, Dolphins are able to migrate great distances and remember the exact way back, from feeding ground to mating ground. They can also communicate using high frequency sound waves between one another during feeding and mating. Similar to that, and the most important characteristic, is the use of Echolocation which are high frequency sound waves sent out of the Dolphins melon, or cranial structure, that bounce back from surrounding objects to create a clear image of the Dolphins surrounding.
Dolphins utilize this function throughout there entire lifetime, but requires constant energy. Feeding on fish and other organisms replenishes most of Dolphins energy, but a new way of energy conservation and brain function has been discovered. Dolphins have the ability to use the process called Unihemispheric Sleep, where half of the brain and cellular functions are able to "shut down" but still have the ability to preform echolocation and movement to the ocean surface for breathing. This allows Dolphins to conserve cellular functions energy consumption while allowing the vital life-sustaining processes even when only HALF the brain is active. In this same study, scientists were able to see no signs of energy loss or fatigue in a total of 15 days. This new discovery opens new ideas as to how other organisms brain and cellular functions work to conserve energy and increase lifespans and abilities in which human don't posses
Connection to Honors Biology:
This directly relates to our study of cellular processes and energy conservation, like that of enzymes. Functions of the brain and that of cells allow for complex processes to take place in order for organisms to adapt and survive in the worlds ecosystems. Dolphins are one of many species in which show substantial brain activity in order to maintain internal cellular functions like cellular respiration and reproduction without fatigue. Dolphins also play an important role, or niche, in the world ocean ecosystems, relating to our study of community importance and behavior.
If half of the brain is essentially "shut down", how then can the brain still function and carry out necessary activities?
ReplyDeleteGreat question...The main reality is that we don't know. Scientists have been studying brain functions of certain organisms with these known characteristics. Studies have shown that, the half of the brain still active is in charge of movement and breathing, but I still questionable to cell functions. I went down to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute where a similar study was ongoing. Theories and Studies are still figuring out the mystery of why it happens...
DeleteDo your know of any other animals that are able to do this, or is this specific to dolphins or marine mammals?
ReplyDeleteThis particular type of characteristic is usually possessed by oceanic organisms that travel great distances, such as dolphins, seals, and sharks. The reason they do this is mainly because if they don't, they can't breath or filter water properly in order to survive.
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