How Much Energy Does a Dolphin Use to Swim?
Published:27 Feb.2022 Source:Duke University
From foraging for prey to evading predators, ship strikes or other dangers, a dolphin's survival often hinges on being able to crank up the speed and shift its swimming into high gear.
But burning all that rubber burns a lot of energy too, which, over time, can deplete reserves vital for growth, health and reproduction if the animal's movements use more calories than it can take in.