Slow Metabolism Likely Supports Survival in Nutrient-Variable Waters

A multi-ton shark survives where food supply can fluctuate dramatically.

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Many deep-sea organisms exhibit slower growth and metabolism than their shallow-water counterparts.

Deep-sea sharks, including the megamouth, are believed to maintain relatively slow metabolic rates compared to fast pelagic predators. This adaptation conserves energy when plankton densities decline.

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Maintaining over a thousand kilograms of body mass in waters where prey abundance shifts seasonally requires strict energy budgeting. A slower metabolism stretches each feeding opportunity further.

This physiological pacing mirrors broader deep-sea survival strategies, where longevity and efficiency replace speed and aggression as dominant evolutionary currencies.

Source

Smithsonian Ocean Portal

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