California sea lions adapt well to their marine environment. Their flippers and body shape allows efficient movement through the water. Their thick blubber layer helps them with temperature control. Their Vision is sharper in water than out in the open! Their whiskers, acting as radars, help them seek out their prey (The aquarium of the pacific). California sea lions have slower heart rate while diving. Sea lions have a higher blood volume compared to other nondiving animals of comparable size. The increased volume allows greater oxygen-binding capacity, meaning their hemoglobins can carry more blood supply. Their muscles too help a great deal in the oxygen-binding process. The California Sea Lion’s respiration cycle is a short exhalation, a short inhalation and an apnea, which is a long breath-holding period!