10 3.2 Table: challenges of the deep sea and the adaptations
1Very high pressure
Structural adaptation
- compressed body, flexible skeleton, thick strong vessel walls
Physiological adaptation
- blood pressure regulated; membranes rich in unsaturated fatty acids (Module 7)
2Oxygen deficiency
Structural adaptation
- large gill surface
Physiological adaptation
- slower metabolism, more haemoglobin
3Darkness
Structural adaptation
- very large eyes, light-producing organs
Physiological adaptation
- sensitive vision
4Low temperature
Structural adaptation
- —
Physiological adaptation
- antifreeze proteins in some (Module 11)
5Scarce food
Structural adaptation
- large mouth and stretchable stomach
Physiological adaptation
- slow metabolism, long survival without food