Exploring how biology and evolution might change if humans lived beneath the ocean.
The oceans cover more than 70% of Earth’s surface, yet humans can only explore them using diving equipment.
But imagine if humans naturally possessed the ability to breathe underwater. The oceans could become a new frontier for exploration and settlement.
Fish extract oxygen from water using specialized organs called gills. These structures allow oxygen molecules to pass into the bloodstream.
Gills are extremely efficient, allowing fish to survive in water with far less oxygen than air.
Water contains far less oxygen than air. A human-sized organism would need very large gills or a completely different respiratory system to survive underwater.
Gills along the neck could extract oxygen from water.
Webbed fingers and toes would help efficient swimming.
A smoother body shape could reduce drag underwater.
If everyone could breathe underwater, ocean exploration might become as common as traveling or hiking today.
The idea of breathing underwater opens an enormous new world beneath the ocean surface. Although the biological changes required are complex, aquatic life continues to inspire scientific exploration.