The difference in tail orientation between fish and marine mammals is a result of their evolutionary lineage and locomotive needs. Fish, having evolved in water, have vertically oriented tails (caudal fins) that move from side to side during swimming. This movement is efficient for rapid acceleration and quick turns, essential for both predator and prey fish species. Marine mammals, however, evolved from terrestrial ancestors. When they transitioned back to aquatic habitats, their spine's movement adapted to an up-and-down motion, resulting in horizontally oriented tails or flukes. This movement is more energy-efficient for long-distance swimming and sustained speeds, aligning with the needs of marine mammals.

While speed is a significant advantage, gazelles employ other strategies to increase their evasion success. One such tactic is 'stotting' or 'pronking', where the gazelle leaps high into the air with stiff legs. This behaviour serves multiple purposes: it can signal to predators that the gazelle is fit and would be a challenging chase, potentially deterring the pursuit. It also provides the gazelle with a broader view of its surroundings, helping it identify escape routes. Additionally, zig-zag running or sudden change in direction during a chase can throw off predators, making capture more difficult. These combined strategies, coupled with speed, enhance the gazelle's chances of evading threats.

Counter-shading is a type of camouflage seen in many marine animals, including some marine mammals like sharks and dolphins. The animal's dorsal (top) side is darker than the ventral (bottom) side. This gradient in colouration offers a dual camouflage mechanism. When viewed from above, the darker dorsal side blends with the deep ocean waters. Conversely, when viewed from below, the lighter ventral side matches the brighter surface water, illuminated by sunlight. This adaptation aids marine mammals in evading predators and, for predatory species, in approaching prey without being easily detected.

Marine mammals often need to dive deep and stay submerged for extended periods, necessitating adaptations for efficient oxygen storage. A higher concentration of haemoglobin in their blood and myoglobin in their muscles facilitates this. Haemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and transports it to tissues, while myoglobin stores oxygen within muscle cells. With elevated concentrations of these proteins, marine mammals can store more oxygen, supporting their bodily functions during long dives. This adaptation is particularly beneficial for deep-diving species, like sperm whales, enabling them to remain submerged and hunt for prolonged durations without frequent trips to the surface to breathe.

Marine mammals have developed specialised adaptations to combat the cold temperatures of aquatic habitats. One primary adaptation is the presence of blubber, a thick layer of fat situated beneath the skin. This blubber not only serves as an energy reserve but also acts as a critical insulator, preventing heat loss and ensuring the core body temperature remains stable. Furthermore, many marine mammals exhibit counter-current heat exchange in their flippers and fins. This system ensures that cold blood returning from the extremities gets warmed by the outgoing warm blood, thereby minimising heat loss. These adaptations are essential for marine mammals, such as seals and whales, allowing them to thrive in chilly aquatic environments.