Educator Guide: Whale’s Breathtaking Dive Impresses

Cuvier's beaked whales

A Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris, three shown) has broken the record for longest dive by a marine mammal, clocking in at three hours and 42 minutes. The previous champion, documented in 2014, spent over two hours underwater.

Danielle Waples/Duke Univ.

About this guide

In this guide, students will learn about the extraordinary diving ability of the Cuvier’s beaked whale and what scientists think allows the marine mammal to stay underwater for extended periods. Then, students will discuss the ocean zone model and research the environment and species of a specific ocean zone.

This Guide Includes:

Getting deep with the ocean’s master divers

Students will answer questions about the online Science News article “A beaked whale’s nearly 4-hour-long dive sets a new record,” which describes a new record for longest dive by a marine mammal, set by the Cuvier’s beaked whale. A version of the story, “Whale’s breathtaking dive impresses,” can be found in the November 7, 2020 issue of Science News.

Zone in on the ocean

Students will explore how the ocean environment changes with depth and how various organisms’ physical traits allow the organisms to thrive at different depths. Students then will discuss the benefits and limitations of the ocean zone model.