Page 160 - Design in Nature

158 DESIGN IN NATURE

Design in Dolphins
Dolphins and whales breathe using their lungs just like other
mammals, which means they cannot breathe in the water like fish. This is
why they regularly visit the surface. The blowhole which is situated on top
of their heads work for air intake. This organ is designed in such a way that
when the animal dives into water, the opening closes automatically with a
special cap in order to prevent water from entering. The cap automatically
opens again when the dolphin surfaces.

A System that Facilitates Sleep without Drowning
Dolphins fill 80-90% of their lungs with air every time they breathe.
However, in many humans this ratio is about 15%. The breathing of
dolphins is a conscious act and not a reflex as it is with other land
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mammals.
In other words, dolphins consciously decide to breathe as we make the
choice to walk. There is a system created to prevent the death of the creature
during its sleep under water. The sleeping dolphin uses the right and left
hemispheres of its brain alternatively for periods of about fifteen minutes.
While one hemisphere sleeps, the dolphin uses the other to surface for air.
The snout of dolphin’s beak is another feature that improves their
swimming. The animal uses less energy in cutting through the water and
swimming at higher speeds. Modern ships, too, make use of a bow like the
dolphin’s snout, hydro-dynamically designed to increase the speed of ships
just like dolphins.

The dolphin has
Dorsal fin been created
with the body
form that best
Melon Blowhole fits its
environment.

Livera
Skull Lung Intestine
Snout Tail flukes
Pectoral fins