While the average human is able to hold his or her breath for approximately one minute, a whale can dive for over 30 minutes without returning to the surface. Which of the following correctly describes this difference?

A. Whales need less energy than humans.

B. Whales gather energy from their environment better than humans.

C. Whales are able to conserve oxygen better than humans.

D. Whales have cells that produce energy differently than humans.

Question

Mariah Mckinney

Biology

5 August, 01:23

While the average human is able to hold his or her breath for approximately one minute, a whale can dive for over 30 minutes without returning to the surface. Which of the following correctly describes this difference?

A. Whales need less energy than humans.

B. Whales gather energy from their environment better than humans.

C. Whales are able to conserve oxygen better than humans.

D. Whales have cells that produce energy differently than humans.

+3

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Joaquin Skinner · Answer 1

C - Whales are able to conserve oxygen better than humans

Elisha Pruitt · Answer 2

C. Whales are able to conserve oxygen better than humans.

Explanation:

Whales are able to conserve oxygen better than humans.

We humans inhale and exhale all the time, without even realizing it. This is because we do not conserve oxygen efficiently and we need to renew the air in our lungs in very short and constant periods of time. With each inhalation, we renew 15% of the air in our lungs.

Whales, on the other hand, manage to renew 90% of the air in their lungs in a single inspiration, this allows them to have a very efficient breath, being able to conserve oxygen in their bodies for long periods of 30 to 90 minutes.