Swimming, drifting, gliding with the currents… Marine animals move with ease in the water, which is 800 times denser than air. Whether it’s a fish, a crustacean, or a marine mammal, each develops its own adaptations to move around.
The locomotion of marine animals
The marine environment is a challenge for organisms living there. The density of water, which varies with salinity and temperature, requires extra effort to swim, resulting in higher energy expenditure. However, this same salinity also facilitates buoyancy, thus reducing the energy cost of navigation.
Movement is crucial for marine animals. It allows them to:
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