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Dugongs are part of the Sirenia order of placental mammals which comprises modern "sea cows" (manatees as well as dugongs) and their extinct relatives. Sirenia are the only extant herbivorous marine mammals and the only group of herbivorous mammals to have become completely aquatic.
Jul 12, 2024 · Dugongs are unique marine mammals known for their exclusive plant-based diet and distinct physical features. They share a close relationship with manatees and are the only surviving member of their family. Physical Characteristics. Dugongs are easily identifiable by their large, elongated bodies.
Dugongs are large marine mammals often called sea cows due to their herbivorous diet and slow, gentle nature. They are related to both manatees and—surprisingly—elephants. They live in warm coastal waters from East Africa to Australia, grazing on underwater grasses as their main food source.
As the lone marine mammal that eats only plants, dugongs play a key role in sea grass ecosystems. They help keep sea grass beds healthy by grazing and spreading seeds. This unique diet makes dugongs different from all other sea mammals.
6 days ago · dugong, (Dugong dugon), marine mammal that inhabits the warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, feeds on seagrasses, and is similar to the manatee.
Aug 21, 2020 · The dugong is a marine mammal that spends its time grazing on seagrass in shallow coastal waters. A close relative of manatees, it is the only remaining member of the Dugongidae family. Often dubbed 'sea cows', dugongs are the only marine mammal that eats virtually only plants.
Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals that mainly eat seagrass. Their diet consists almost entirely of underwater plants found in shallow coastal areas. These gentle creatures graze on seagrass meadows, using their sensitive snouts to dig up the entire plant, including the roots.
