Blowing bubbles helps resting sperm whales avoid floating to the surface

Sperm whales have a unique ability to rest vertically in the ocean without floating to the surface. Scientists have discovered that they release bubbles to control their buoyancy, countering the natural tendency of their massive heads filled with oil and air to cause them to drift upward. While resting, these whales appear to be suspended just below the surface, seemingly weightless.

This behavior has led researchers to label their state as "resting" rather than "sleeping," as definitive brain activity measurements have not yet been possible in these marine mammals. The release of bubbles appears to be a deliberate act, helping the whales manage excess gases accumulated during their deep dives for prey. This discovery sheds light on the peculiar resting behavior of sperm whales and their remarkable adaptation to survive in the deep ocean.