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JohnChimpo7 t1_j3zsen0 wrote

Reply to comment by Motherofkittens86 in Killer whale dies after grounding itself on Florida beach by katherinezetajones

Isn’t there also a mammalian instinct to avoid drowning when sick/injured, even though it seems counterintuitive

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HardlyDecent t1_j410cj8 wrote

Are you thinking of the mammalian diving response maybe? That's not an instinct, but a physiological response. Breath-holding and a drop in blood pressure and heart rate when immersed in water (or splashing cold water on your face!).

Not sure if cetaceans ever beach to avoid drowning though.

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