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Potamosiren
- The earliest animal that had a dugong-like appearance is believed to be the Potamosiren, which lived around 15 million years ago.
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May 27, 2024 · The earliest animal that had a dugong-like appearance is believed to be the Potamosiren, which lived around 15 million years ago. Appearance and Behavior. Dugongs are insulated with layers of fat and can weigh up to 1,100 pounds. ©vkilikov/Shutterstock.com. Dugongs are large, elongated animals with a down-turned snout and thick brown or gray skin.
- Female
- April 22, 1960
Like all modern sirenians, the dugong has a fusiform body with no dorsal fin or hind limbs. The forelimbs or flippers are paddle-like. The dugong is easily distinguishable from the manatees by its fluked, dolphin-like tail; moreover, it possesses a unique skull and teeth.
The dugong is a herbivorous marine mammal sometimes referred to as a ‘sea cow’, and one of four living species that belongs to the order Sirenia. They graze on underwater grasses and have an adorable, plump appearance, with a dolphin tail, round head and downward snout. Dugong Facts Overview.
- Shallow warm coastal waters
- Mainly in Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
- Up to 70 years
- 8 to 10 feet
Apr 5, 2024 · In fact, dugongs (Dugong dugon) are cousins of manatees and share a similar appearance, but for their dolphin fluke-like tail, shorter fins, and long, more prehistoric-looking face. Both are related to elephants, but not hippos.
6 days ago · Dugongs are long-lived animals (up to 73 years). Predation by killer whales and sharks has been documented, and crocodiles may also prey on dugongs. In the past dugongs were widely and heavily hunted by humans for their meat, hides, and oil.
In order to breathe, dugongs are known to stand on their tails, pointing their heads out of the water. The dugong appeared about 50-60 million years ago, evolving from an elephant-like animal, entering the water. Dugongs usually shake their head to clean seagrass from sand and only then swallow it.
Sep 5, 2023 · Dugongs have captured the human imagination for centuries with their gentle nature and peculiar appearance. These gentle ocean giants may seem sluggish, but they are powerful swimmers and can propel their large bodies effortlessly through the water with surprising speed.
