Is it possible that humans are like fish and survive in water?

We're far from being able to breathe underwater like mermaids, but one tribe sure knows what they're doing when they've spent long periods in brackish depths.

The Bajau tribe, also known as the "Sea Gypsies," is a fascinating indigenous group with a rich maritime heritage. Primarily residing in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the Bajau people have a deep connection to the sea. Renowned for their exceptional diving and free-diving skills, they have honed their abilities over generations to sustain their livelihoods through fishing and gathering marine resources. The Bajau are known for their stilt houses built on water and their distinctive traditional boats called lepa. Despite facing challenges due to modernization and environmental changes, the Bajau tribe continues to preserve its cultural practices, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving times.

The Bajau were first mentioned in the 16th century, through the diary of the pioneering Venetian explorer, Antonio Pigafetta. The tribe depends on water for their way of life, gathering food from the seabed. This means they spend a lot of time in wet things!

In fact, diving is their full-time job. The Bajau will spend 8 hours a day diving underwater with only a mask and a weight to hold themselves in place. But how can they survive below the surface longer than the average person…? The answer lies in human biology.

You see there's something about the Bajau that makes them excellent at surviving underwater. It's something that is an enlarged spleen! The spleen is a flexible organ found in your abdomen. It is known to recycle old red blood cells, in addition to storing white blood cells. There's a lot of other stuff he does too, but we're in danger of getting off the rails here. The fact is that the spleen plays an important role in the life of the Bajau in the beverage.

Have you heard of the human diving response? This is when you experience a process called "peripheral vasoconstriction," or in other words, your heart rate is reduced and your blood vessels narrow. They do this to the outside parts of your body to keep the blood oxygenated where it's really needed in your organs. The spleen then contracts, pumping out oxygenated red blood cells and delivering more oxygen to you. With a larger-than-average spleen, the Bajau can reach the limit of their underwater mining. Now, a plausible explanation for these rats is that the Bajau are always diving, so their bodies have adapted to that, right? It's a good idea but not entirely correct. A scientific study has shown that spleen is present in divers but also in non-divers. However, there is a clear difference in size between the spleens of the Bajau and the spleens of their neighbors. Of course, it is possible that diving has an influence that is passed on to all descendants, but that is perhaps a topic for another time. So, if there are humans on the planet adapted to life underwater, one wonders if there are other types of "superhumans".

The Bajau tribe stands as a testament to the human spirit's resilience and adaptability. Through generations of living in harmony with the sea, they have cultivated remarkable skills and a profound understanding of their marine environment. Their traditional lifestyle, characterized by stilt houses and unique boats, showcases their deep-rooted connection to the ocean. While facing modern challenges and environmental changes, the Bajau people persist in preserving their cultural heritage and way of life. Their story serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring indigenous communities and the wisdom they possess. By embracing their traditions, the Bajau tribe inspires us to appreciate the delicate balance between humans and nature, urging us to protect and cherish our shared world.

Perhaps who can walk in unbelievably high temperatures or who can withstand the extreme cold? It's starting to look like the X-Men comics, so it's best to let the science do the talking and leave it at that...