Marine and Aquatic Science
Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals … Marine Mammals Guided Notes
1. There are several orders of marine mammals. All have certain adaptations to have developed to some
extent or other, including
● Bodies that are _____torpedo___ to cut down on water resistance; if __fur__ is present, it is
sleek and dense.
● Bodies that contain a layer of fat called _____blubber____, that both insulates against the
___cold____, stores ___, and increases ___temperature__.
● Bodies that can store __oxygen___ in tissues other than the lungs, permitting the mammal to stay
submerged longer and dive deeper. _____hearts___ slow down and blood circulates primarily to
the __hearts__ and ___brain___.
2. The four orders that include at least some species that are marine are:
● Order ___carnivora____ includes the ___sea otter_ and ___polar bear____. These are the
least specialized of all marine (or aquatic) mammals.
● Order __pinnipedia___ includes the ____seal___, ____sea lion___, and ___warus___. Their
forelimbs are modified to form __flippers___. Their hind limbs are also flipperlike. Their
bodies are ___flipper like____ and have a layer of ___blubber___ beneath the skin. Sea Lions
have ___external__ear that is very sensitive. They have a __neck__that is able to turn in the
water. Posterior flippers can be moved forward to help support weight. These flippers have no
hair or nails to reduce water resistance. Seals have__no external ears__. They have a
__short___neck that is unable to turn completely around. __Flippers__ can not be moved
forward, mainly used in swimming not support.
● Order __sirenia_ are the large bodied animals that include the __mantee___ and the
_dudong___. Members have very little _____hair___ and are found in __warmer___ habitats.
This species also is the only marine mammal that is totally a __herbivores___. Only around
____________ of the gentle ___3000__ remain in the wild along the coast of Florida.
● Order __cetacean__ is the best equipped for a life in the seas. Members lack external
__ears_. Their __flukes___ are totally inside their bodies so they rely on their
Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals … Marine Mammals Guided Notes
1. There are several orders of marine mammals. All have certain adaptations to have developed to some
extent or other, including
● Bodies that are _____torpedo___ to cut down on water resistance; if __fur__ is present, it is
sleek and dense.
● Bodies that contain a layer of fat called _____blubber____, that both insulates against the
___cold____, stores ___, and increases ___temperature__.
● Bodies that can store __oxygen___ in tissues other than the lungs, permitting the mammal to stay
submerged longer and dive deeper. _____hearts___ slow down and blood circulates primarily to
the __hearts__ and ___brain___.
2. The four orders that include at least some species that are marine are:
● Order ___carnivora____ includes the ___sea otter_ and ___polar bear____. These are the
least specialized of all marine (or aquatic) mammals.
● Order __pinnipedia___ includes the ____seal___, ____sea lion___, and ___warus___. Their
forelimbs are modified to form __flippers___. Their hind limbs are also flipperlike. Their
bodies are ___flipper like____ and have a layer of ___blubber___ beneath the skin. Sea Lions
have ___external__ear that is very sensitive. They have a __neck__that is able to turn in the
water. Posterior flippers can be moved forward to help support weight. These flippers have no
hair or nails to reduce water resistance. Seals have__no external ears__. They have a
__short___neck that is unable to turn completely around. __Flippers__ can not be moved
forward, mainly used in swimming not support.
● Order __sirenia_ are the large bodied animals that include the __mantee___ and the
_dudong___. Members have very little _____hair___ and are found in __warmer___ habitats.
This species also is the only marine mammal that is totally a __herbivores___. Only around
____________ of the gentle ___3000__ remain in the wild along the coast of Florida.
● Order __cetacean__ is the best equipped for a life in the seas. Members lack external
__ears_. Their __flukes___ are totally inside their bodies so they rely on their
