TORONTO: Scientists have accidentally discovered in a study that whirlpools can survive underwater for up to a week.
During a study conducted at the University of Guelph in Canada, a wasp queen was accidentally placed in a container of water for a week. Survival after a week has been described as a surprising finding by the researchers.
Later, the team of researchers tested 143 other vortices underwater and found their survival rates were similar to those outside the water.
Nigel Ryan, the author of the study, said that this is truly surprising. These are terrestrial insects, they are not made to live underwater. Scientists were unaware of this important part of the life of these insects.
Dr Nigel said the research findings provide new information on the insect’s adaptation to its environment and tolerance to flooding. According to one theory, this organism may enter a state of diapause. It is a condition in which growth is suspended due to low oxygen.
During this state, the respiratory passages called spiracles can be closed for an extended period of time, preventing water from entering the body, and the queen bee can breathe through her skin, the researchers said.
