Lung function, respiratory disease, and energetic requirements in marine mammals: implications for conservation

Marine mammals rely on their diving capacity to survive as this determines their foraging efficiency. Ultimately, their anatomy and physiological capacity, and the limitations imposed by the environment determine the maximal time underwater. Thus, the behavioral decisions undertaken by marine mammals would be related with the different combination of these factors. As air breathing mammals, respiratory function may alter the diving capacities and limit foraging. Further, respiratory disease has been reported as one of the major causes of mortality in these species and may have consequences for their respiratory function and diving capacities. In addition, the ability of marine mammals to ef…