The Bajau tribe of Indonesia has made history as the first humans known to have genetically adapted to diving. Living an amphibious life along the coasts of Indonesia for over a millennium, the Bajau people have been found to have a genetic makeup that allows them to thrive in the sea.
Spending a significant portion of their lives in the water, the tribe resides in houseboats and excels in free diving and spearfishing. With exceptional lung capacities and strong swimming abilities, they can dive up to depths of 230 feet using only weights and wooden goggles.
Researchers have discovered a unique genetic mutation, known as the ‘sea nomad gene,’ in the Bajau people that enhances their diving capabilities. The gene results in larger spleens, which play a crucial role in the human dive response. When submerged in water, the spleen contracts to increase the oxygen supply in the bloodstream by up to nine percent, giving the Bajau people a genetic advantage in swimming underwater.
Despite their remarkable abilities, the Bajau people face threats to their traditional way of life. Nomadic in nature, they struggle to obtain citizenship, and commercial fishing has significantly impacted their food supply.
In a world where their unique genetic adaptation is celebrated, the Bajau tribe continues to face challenges that jeopardize their ancestral lifestyle. Their story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between genetic resilience and external threats in the changing world of today.
Vocabulary List:
- Genetically (adverb): Relating to genes or genetics.
- Amphibious (adjective): Relating toliving inor suited for both land and water.
- Thrive (verb): To growdevelopor be successful.
- Spearfishing (noun): Hunting fish using a spear.
- Mutations (noun): Changes or alterations in genes or DNA.
- Nomadic (adjective): Wandering from place to place having no fixed home.
