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| Sperm whales - How sperm whales sleep - resting of sperm whales, logging |
Sperm whales
Sperm whales are remarkable marine mammals that are known for their ability to dive to great depths in search of food. When it comes to resting, sperm whales have a unique way of achieving this in the water. While they do not sleep in the same way humans do, they have adopted a behavior called "logging" that allows them to rest and conserve energy.
Logging
Logging is the term used to describe the behavior of sperm whales when they are in a resting ( sleeping) state near the surface of the water. During this time, the whales are relatively motionless and appear to be floating vertically in a head-down position, with their flukes (tail fins) pointed toward the sky. This posture helps them maintain stability in the water.
Breathing
When a sperm whale is logging in, it is still conscious and capable of breathing. They have a specialized blowhole located on the left side of their head, which enables them to breathe while remaining in a relatively stationary position. Sperm whales are conscious breathers, which means they have to consciously come to the surface to breathe.
Conserve energy
While logging near the surface, sperm whales enter a state of reduced activity where their metabolic rate decreases, allowing them to conserve energy. This behavior is often observed after periods of deep diving and foraging, as diving to great depths and hunting for prey require significant energy expenditure. Logging near the surface provides a way for the whales to rest and recover from these exertions.
Duration of logging
It's important to note that while logging is a resting behavior, sperm whales do not spend all their time in this state. They typically alternate between periods of logging and active behaviors such as socializing, communicating, and hunting. The duration of logging can vary, but it usually lasts for a few minutes to a couple of hours.
In summary
In summary, sperm whales rest in the sea by adopting a behavior called logging. They float near the surface in a head-down position, conserving energy and allowing them to recover from their deep dives and foraging activities. Logging is an essential part of their daily routine, but it is not the same as sleep since they remain conscious and need to consciously breathe.
