Marine Mammal Quiz Flashcards
(27 cards)
Which are characteristics of marine mammals?
Production of milk for offspring, constant body temperature, and placental development
What is the scientific name for polar bears, and what does it mean?
Ursus maritimus, meaning “sea bear”
What unique feature helps sea otters maintain body warmth?
Dense fur with up to 1 million hairs per square inch
What percentage of their body weight do sea otters consume daily?
0.25
What does the term “Pinniped” literally mean?
Feather-footed
What is true about Sirenians bodies?
They have streamlined, hairless bodies
What adaptation helps cetaceans dive effectively?
High hemoglobin content in blood
Which is the largest species of whale?
Blue whale
What is the primary purpose of echolocation in marine mammals?
Navigation and object detection
Which adaptation helps manatees process their diet?
Multiple stomach compartments
what is an example of a true seal (Phocidae)?
Harbor seal
What do baleen whales have for teeth?
Plates for filtering food
Marine mammals maintain a constant warm body temperature which is called ____________
homeothermic
The thick layers of fat that helps insulate marine mammals in cold water is called ____________
subcutaneous
The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 made ______________ illegal in the US coastal waters. (unless you are part of certain Indigenous tribes)
Whaling
Manatees and dugongs belong to the order __________________.
Sirenians
The act of using sound waves to locate objects in the water, as seen in dolphins is called ______________
ecolocation
Odobenidae
Walrus
Trichechidae
Manatees
Mysticeti
Baleen whales
Otariidae
Sea lion/fur seal
Odontoceti
Toothed Whales
What is a key difference between true seals and sea lions?
Eared seals have visible but small external ears, while the true seals lack external ears
What is the primary hunting method of sea otters?
Dive to the bottom and catch their prey then turn over on surface and eat their food. They use rocks as tools to eat their foods
