The whaletogether with other marine animals, are known for theirs extraordinary longevitybut only recently science began to explain in detail the reason for this feature. According to a new study published on Nature Communicationsthe key is in the evolutionary transition that these animals have turned millions of years ago, passing from the mainland to the marine environment.
This step involved a slowdown in the rhythm of lifea phenomenon that led to more slow reproductive strategies: late maturation, low fruitfulness and long intervals between one birth and another. If on the one hand these strategies allow a longer life, on the other they make these animals more vulnerable to human impacts such as thepollutioni climate change and the Collings with boats.
A slow evolution to face the challenges of the sea
The research team – led by Creaf and by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE) – analyzed the transformations that took place over millions of years. The sea represents a hostile environment, where it is difficult to find food and survive. To deal with these difficulties, marine species have developed physiological and behavioral adaptations which increase the probability of surviving in the long term.
For example, animals like theAlbatros exploit the air currents To plan for thousands of kilometers with a minimum effort, while i cetacean like dolphins and orche have evolved big brains and complex Cooperative strategies To capture the prey. These skills require a lot of time to develop, but once consolidated, they guarantee an evolutionary advantage huge.
A slowness that today becomes a risk
Paradoxically, the same characteristics that have made whales and other marine animals win now represent a risk factor. Their slow rhythm of growth and reproduction makes it difficult to recover the falling populations. Events like Fishing networks, underwater noise or oil spills They can cause serious damage to species that are unable to adapt quickly.
The study, led by Daniel Sol, highlights that the evolution of slow lives does not depend only on the body dimension or the metabolism, but also on the need to adapt to new habitats. And today, this slowness risks compromise survival of unique and millenary species.
