Sea mammal

Sea mammals are a diverse group of mammals that have adapted to life in the marine environment. They include several different types of animals, such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters. These animals are part of the larger group of marine mammals, which also includes some species of manatees and polar bears.

Characteristics

Sea mammals share several characteristics that allow them to thrive in the ocean. They have streamlined bodies to reduce drag while swimming, and most have a layer of blubber for insulation against the cold. Many sea mammals also have specialized adaptations for diving, such as the ability to store large amounts of oxygen in their muscles and blood.

Types of Sea Mammals

Whales

Whales are the largest sea mammals, and include the blue whale, the largest animal ever to have lived. Whales are divided into two main groups: the toothed whales, which include dolphins and porpoises, and the baleen whales, which filter feed on small organisms.

Dolphins

Dolphins are small, intelligent sea mammals known for their playful behavior. They are part of the family Delphinidae, which also includes killer whales and pilot whales.

Seals

Seals are a group of sea mammals that includes both true seals and eared seals. True seals, or phocids, are adapted for swimming with their hind flippers, while eared seals, or otariids, can use their front flippers to move on land.

Sea Otters

Sea otters are the smallest sea mammals, and unlike most other marine mammals, they rely on their fur rather than blubber for insulation. They are known for their tool use, including using rocks to crack open shellfish.

Conservation

Many species of sea mammals are threatened by human activities, including hunting, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these animals and their habitats.