PHIn the province of Tawi-Tawi in the Philippines, the Bajau tribe, often called the "fish-men," possess a remarkable adaptation that allows them to excel in the sea. Renowned for their free diving skills, the Bajau can hold their breath for extended periods and dive to impressive depths. 
"Children in the community are taught to swim almost as soon as they are born," says Santarawi Lalisan, an elder of the tribe. This early introduction to water has made the Bajau exceptional divers and swimmers.
Thanks to their unusually large spleens, the tribe can dive up to 70 meters and stay submerged for as long as 10 minutes.
The spleen, situated next to the stomach, functions like a biological
"scuba tank," storing extra oxygen in the bloodstream. Studies indicate that the Bajau's spleens are up to 50% larger than those of other humans, enabling them to endure long periods underwater.
"Children in the community are taught to swim almost as soon as they are born," says Santarawi Lalisan, an elder of the tribe. This early introduction to water has made the Bajau exceptional divers and swimmers.
Thanks to their unusually large spleens, the tribe can dive up to 70 meters and stay submerged for as long as 10 minutes.
The spleen, situated next to the stomach, functions like a biological
"scuba tank," storing extra oxygen in the bloodstream. Studies indicate that the Bajau's spleens are up to 50% larger than those of other humans, enabling them to endure long periods underwater.