Fuelled by these revelations, the researchers embarked on a mission that would push the boundaries of scientific inquiry. The team, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, collaborated to design an ingenious method involving the deployment of temperature probes onto free-swimming basking sharks. This endeavour required ingenuity and precision, as the elusive nature of these creatures forbade any direct contact. After meticulous planning and execution, the team’s persistence bore fruit. Retrieving the temperature devices after a 12-hour interval, the data unveiled a startling truth: the muscle temperature of the basking sharks consistently exceeded the ambient temperature by 1 to 1.5°C. This revelation left no room for doubt – basking sharks are indeed warm-blooded, a discovery that defies the conventional boundaries of marine biology. This newfound understanding has transcended the realm of scientific curiosity, resonating deeply with the urgency of conservation. Basking sharks, an endangered species, now assume an even more profound significance. Armed with this revolutionary insight, conservation efforts can be tailored to account for the true nature of these creatures, potentially safeguarding their future against encroaching threats in a rapidly changing world. As we delve deeper into the ocean’s mysteries, the basking shark stands as a testament to the hidden wonders that still await discovery. This chapter, authored by the collaboration between Trinity and a global network of researchers, exemplifies the power of unwavering curiosity to unearth nature’s most profound enigmas. In the embrace of their alma mater’s legacy, these scholars continue to illuminate the shadows of the deep, revealing the intricate tapestry of life that thrives beneath the waves.
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