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- Sea otters are the smallest of all marine mammals. They lack a layer of blubber so they protect themselves from the cold by trapping air in their extremely dense fur. Polar bears are also considered marine mammals because they are semi-aquatic and rely entirely on the sea for food.
www.marinebio.org/creatures/marine-vertebrates/marine-mammals/
Aug 25, 2024 · Most species of aquatic mammals live in the marine environment. There are three orders of aquatic mammals, which include: cetacea, carnivora and sirenia. Cetacea order. The most representative species within the cetacea order are: whales, dolphins, sperm whales, killer whales and porpoises.
Explore the world of aquatic mammals, from deep-diving whales to playful dolphins, and discover the unique adaptations that allow them to thrive.
Aquatic mammals and semiaquatic mammals are a diverse group of mammals that dwell partly or entirely in bodies of water. They include the various marine mammals who dwell in oceans, as well as various freshwater species, such as the European otter.
- Pinnipeds. The pinniped group includes seals, sea lions and walruses. This group of animals are characterized by being fin-footed, carnivorous and mostly aquatic.
- Cetaceans. Cetaceans are the most diverse group of marine mammals and include species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. There are roughly 90 different species of cetaceans and this diverse group of animals can be found in oceans and in some cases- rivers, all over the world!
- Sirenians. The sirenians, also known as the sea cows, are a group of herbivorous, slow-moving, fully aquatic mammals. Sirenians are broken up into two families; the dugongs and the manatees.
- Fissipeds. While you may have never heard of the term “fissipeds”, you likely know what a fissiped is. There are many species of fissipeds, but there are only two species of marine fissiped.
Marine mammals are mammals that rely on marine (saltwater) ecosystems for their existence. They include animals such as cetaceans ( whales , dolphins and porpoises ), pinnipeds ( seals , sea lions and walruses ), sirenians ( manatees and dugongs ), sea otters and polar bears .
Feb 1, 2019 · Marine mammals are classified into four different taxonomic groups: cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses), sirenians (manatees and dugongs), and marine fissipeds (polar bears and sea otters).
Examples of aquatic mammals. Whale. The largest animal on the planet. It lives in water, but its food is produced in the same way as mammals. The calves measure 7 meters and weigh 2 tons at birth. Dolphin. They have a fusiform body with a very large head.
