Here's how it works:
* One eye open: Killer whales sleep with one eye open and one half of their brain active, allowing them to stay aware of their surroundings. This is important for their safety, as they are apex predators and need to be alert to potential threats.
* Vertical position: They often sleep vertically, with their heads held above the water, or horizontally near the surface.
* Short bursts: Their sleep is usually in short bursts of around 5-10 minutes, interspersed with periods of wakefulness.
This unusual sleeping pattern allows them to remain vigilant while still getting some rest. They also don't have to come to the surface as often as other marine mammals like dolphins, as they can breathe through their blowhole while sleeping.
It's a fascinating adaptation that helps these amazing creatures survive in their challenging marine environment!