Photos Coping
The researchers, whose paper has been accepted for publication in the journal Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A, conducted the same eye test on freshwater turtles and leopard frogs. The turtles actually beat out both the sharks and the frogs in their ability to tolerate zero to low oxygen. The turtles didn't lose their eyesight and hardly changed at all, despite some reduced brain activity. Prior studies show crucian carp also have an incredible tolerance for conditions that would suffocate nearly all other animals. Nilsson explained that these species evolved the David Blaine-like seemingly magical ability in order "to allow overwintering at the bottom of ice-covered ponds, small lakes and streams." He added, "This habitat can become free of oxygen for several months during the winter." Les Buck, associate professor in the Department of Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto, told Discovery News that the new study "is interesting" particularly because it demonstrates that "visual information can be sacrificed in the severely hypoxic situation." Since the epaulette shark has evolved its low oxygen tolerance at a temperature close to that of the human body, Nilsson said studies on the shark "could give us additional information on strategies that animals have evolved" to cope with natural happenings akin to what occurs when a person suffers a stroke, a heart attack or certain complications related to diabetes, when breathing or low blood flow present potentially life-threatening physical challenges. Related Links: Jennifer Viegas' blog: Born Animal |
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