how do elaphant seals stay underwater for two hours?

Answer 1

It's in their blood. Literally.

Think about it this way - blood is a tissue in your body that is designed to carry oxygen around. Elephant seals have adapted to make the absolute most of this resource.

First of all, they have lots of blood. LOTS. 21% of their body mass is made up of blood... for a human, it's only about 7%. Elephant seals have lots of special adaptations just to have that much blood in their system. For example, they have extra spaces in their abdomen just to hold it all.

Another major difference is in the volume of hemoglobin in their blood. Hemoglobin is the molecule in red blood cells that actually attaches to oxygen and carries it around. Elephant seals have so many red blood cells and so much hemoglobin that their blood is thick and syrupy compared to ours (they have a higher concentration of red blood cells than just about any known animal). This means that each litre of blood can hold a lot more oxygen in it!

There are other adaptations, too. They can store oxygen in their muscles as well as their blood. They are streamlined and efficient in their use of energy. Large size and thick layers of fat prevent them from using lots of energy (and oxygen) to retain heat. All of this (as well as the blood) makes them very powerful animals, capable of feats that few others can match.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

well with the elphant seals nose can lift so high it is possible to stay under water as long as their noses are up out of the water

Answer 3

Slow metbolism, blood very rich in haemoglobin and high lactic acid tolerance.

Answer 4

Holding their breath. Same way you do for 15-30 seconds or so. They're just much, much, much, much, much, much better at it.

Answer 5

big lungs

Answer 6

they have big lungs