We’ve all heard that sharks must constantly swim or they’ll die. That doesn’t exactly make it seem like they have much time for sleeping; at least not in the traditional sense that we’re used to.
Researchers made an interesting discovery with the help of a robotic submersible while following a great white named Emma along the coast of Guadalupe. It turns out that white sharks actually do nap and they caught the first footage of one actually resting. Instead of completely stopping, she relaxes her jaw as her mouth gapes open while she enters a catatonic state.
This actually allows her to slow down enough to save energy and recover, while the water rushing through her mouth and gills allows her to stay alive.
