Whales are specially adapted for underwater life:
* Breathing: Whales have evolved to hold their breath for extended periods. They have large lungs and can store oxygen in their blood and muscles.
* Sleep patterns: Whales don't sleep like we do, with full REM and deep sleep cycles. They engage in unihemispheric sleep, where one half of their brain rests while the other stays awake, allowing them to keep breathing and stay alert to potential dangers.
* Buoyancy: Whales have a lot of blubber, which helps them stay afloat and reduces the energy they need to stay submerged.
Humans are not:
* Breathing: Humans are land mammals and need to breathe air regularly. We cannot hold our breath for extended periods.
* Sleep: Humans need to sleep with both hemispheres of the brain resting. We also need to be conscious to maintain breathing and heart function.
The key takeaway: Whales have evolved incredible adaptations to survive and thrive in the ocean, including unique ways to sleep. We humans, on the other hand, are land dwellers and our biology is designed for life on land.