Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Marine Mammals' Evolution How They Mastered Swimming Adaptations

Word Count Emoji
425 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Dive into the deep blue - marine mammals & their swimming prowess 🐬

Hey there future marine biologist! 🌊 Get ready to plunge into the world of marine mammals and discover the incredible adaptations they've made over 50 million years. That's right, their ancestors once lived on land!

The big picture

  • 🌍 Original habitat: Terrestrial (on land)
  • Evolutionary shift: About 50 million years ago
  • 🌊 New home: In the dense and viscous waters

Fun Fact: Water is roughly 1,000 times denser than air. Imagine trying to dance in honey instead of air - that's how challenging swimming could have been for these creatures!

The need for speed - streamlining 🚀

Being streamlined means being shaped to cut through water with the least resistance, like a torpedo!

  • Body Design: Widest at the front, tapering towards the back. 🐟 This shape means less drag.

  • Cool Features

    • Flippers, flukes, and dorsal fin: These have a long teardrop profile, which further reduces drag.
    • Smooth surface: Blubber is evenly spread with no hind limbs or ear flaps in sight. Plus, most of them ditched their hair! No hairy situations here, just less friction. 💁‍♂️

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IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Marine Mammals' Evolution How They Mastered Swimming Adaptations

Word Count Emoji
425 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Dive into the deep blue - marine mammals & their swimming prowess 🐬

Hey there future marine biologist! 🌊 Get ready to plunge into the world of marine mammals and discover the incredible adaptations they've made over 50 million years. That's right, their ancestors once lived on land!

The big picture

  • 🌍 Original habitat: Terrestrial (on land)
  • Evolutionary shift: About 50 million years ago
  • 🌊 New home: In the dense and viscous waters

Fun Fact: Water is roughly 1,000 times denser than air. Imagine trying to dance in honey instead of air - that's how challenging swimming could have been for these creatures!

The need for speed - streamlining 🚀

Being streamlined means being shaped to cut through water with the least resistance, like a torpedo!

  • Body Design: Widest at the front, tapering towards the back. 🐟 This shape means less drag.

  • Cool Features

    • Flippers, flukes, and dorsal fin: These have a long teardrop profile, which further reduces drag.
    • Smooth surface: Blubber is evenly spread with no hind limbs or ear flaps in sight. Plus, most of them ditched their hair! No hairy situations here, just less friction. 💁‍♂️

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟