[Campbell Biology P.998] Which of the following statements accurately describes an adaptatio... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes an adaptation of Weddell seals for prolonged diving compared to humans?

  • A: Weddell seals store significantly less O2 per kilogram of body mass in their blood than humans.
  • B: During extended dives, Weddell seals rely primarily on aerobic respiration for ATP production in their muscles.
  • C: Weddell seals have a higher concentration of myoglobin in their muscles, allowing them to store more oxygen.
  • D: The diving reflex in seals routes blood primarily to the extremities to maintain circulation.

Explanation

The passage clearly states, 'Furthermore, the muscles of seals and other diving mammals contain a high concentration of an oxygen-storing protein called myoglobin in their muscles. As a result, the Weddell seal can store about twice as much O2 per kilogram of body mass as can a human.' This directly supports option C. Options A, B, and D are contradicted by the text, which describes higher O2 storage due to blood volume and myoglobin, ATP from fermentation during extended dives, and blood routing to vital organs while restricting flow to extremities.