Unlike humans, who breathe automatically even when unconscious, dolphins are conscious breathers (also called voluntary breathers).
This means they must actively decide to surface and take a breath. They have to remain semi-conscious even while sleeping, which is why they sleep with one half of their brain at a time in a process called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep.
So, every breath a dolphin takes is indeed a conscious effort rather than an automatic reflex like in humans.
Be the first to show love! 🚀
Start something amazing - your support inspires creators!