Who is the best marine mammal? Marine mammals and their diversity
Some sea creatures are much larger than land animals. In this material we will look at the ten largest animals in size and weight that live in the world's oceans.
The length of an adult walrus is 4 m, and its body weight exceeds 2 tons. A distinctive feature of walruses is their huge elongated upper fangs, which are called tusks. The tusks reach 1 m in length and are used by walruses during battles for females, as well as to facilitate climbing onto ice floes. Because of these tusks, walruses were given a scientific name, translated from Greek which means “walking on teeth.”
Despite their menacing appearance, walruses are very shy animals. While resting on land, they post sentries who closely monitor the situation and warn the entire herd of the danger. They are very sociable and constantly supporting each other animals. After the mating fever, when males can fight for the right to mate with a female, they all raise the young together and help with feeding.
Walruses live in the north, making rookeries on pack ice.
A huge seal, growing up to 6.5 m in length and reaching a weight of more than 4 tons. The elephant seal got its name from its trunk-shaped nose. The male elephant seal is distinguished by extremely aggressive behavior during the mating season, when, for the sake of mating, he is ready to trample and tear apart other rivals, not paying attention to anything. By gathering in groups and sorting out relationships among themselves, elephant seals can easily crush young calves or females, which are significantly smaller than males. Every year, during the mating period, a significant number of young animals die from strangulation and strangulation, and males die from wounds received earlier than from natural death.
Elephant seals live on the west coast of North America and Antarctica. The Antarctic (southern) elephant seal is significantly larger than its northern counterpart.
8. Saltwater crocodile
- not exactly a sea animal. It lives in the swamps and mangroves of the tropical region, but can sometimes travel by sea, covering distances of 600 km or more. Therefore, it can be seen, for example, off the coast of Japan, although it has never lived there and does not live there. The reasons for such long migrations are not fully known. According to some assumptions, saltwater crocodiles, which are solitary by nature, seek more secluded habitats; according to others, they seek regions richer in food. But whatever the reason, such guests in sea bays and bays terrify not only local residents, but also local predators. The crocodile easily displaces even sharks from their favorite coastal areas, which simply retreat, unable to do anything to oppose the impenetrable armor of the reptile.
This crocodile is the only reptile that grows more than 5 m in length. Adult saltwater crocodiles grow up to 7 m in length and reach a mass of 2 tons.
Adult killer whales are large marine predators. In captivity in aquariums we do not see record-breaking specimens, but in nature their length reaches 10 m and their weight exceeds 8 tons. Every day, adult killer whales require up to 150 kg. meat, and in search of it they spend most of their lives, attacking all living things that can satisfy their hunger. The killer whale has the nickname “killer whale” for a reason - it is the largest carnivore on the planet. They are at the top of the food chain, preying on others and large fish.
Killer whales are extremely intelligent animals. They make perfect use of their group skills when hunting. Cases of attacks on walruses and fur seals that tried to hide on a lonely ice floe are well known and documented. Accelerating towards the ice floe, they raise a high wave, which washes the poor victim into the water, where she is not destined to escape. Killer whales are also the only marine predators that can jump ashore and grab fur seals, their favorite prey.
Killer whales live everywhere, but prefer the cool waters of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Most often they stay in the coastal strip.
Humpback whales grow up to 15 m, and the maximum recorded length was 18 m. Weight - 30 tons. It would seem that it should have a characteristic hump, but the main distinguishing feature of the humpback whale is its long pectoral fins and huge “warts” on its snout. The length of the fins can reach 34% of the body length. They play an important role in the life of the animal - they participate in thermoregulation, increase maneuverability and help in hunting. Humpback whales often hunt in groups, diving under a school of fish and surrounding it with small air bubbles. Surrounded by such a wall of bubbles, the fish gets lost and huddles into a dense lump, which is swallowed by humpback whales that suddenly appear from the depths.
The buckles of humpback whales and their striking of the surface with their tail and fins are known. They are even capable of jumping completely out of the water.
Humpback whales live throughout the world's oceans. They often approach the banks to feed.
It grows up to 20 m in length and reaches a weight of 30 tons. It is a slender whale and can reach speeds of 50 km/h. (according to other sources, its maximum speed is 25 km/h) in contrast to its “fat” relatives. The sei whale dives well, diving to a depth of up to 300 m and remaining under water for up to 20 minutes.
Sei whale was the most important commercial fishery after man practically destroyed the blue whale and fin whale. Currently, fishing for this whale is completely prohibited.
The sei whale lives in all oceans, preferring warm tropical waters.
The weight of an adult sperm whale reaches 50 tons, and its body length is 20 m. This is the largest representative of toothed whales - unlike baleen whales, they have teeth and hunt fish, cephalopods and, in rare cases, other marine mammals. The sperm whale is known for its huge head, which takes up 35% of its body length. The word “sperm whale” itself comes from “ cachola", which means "big head". On a huge head, the whale's mouth looks small, but this appearance is deceiving. One of his teeth weighs 1 kg.
The whale lives in all oceans, but avoids cold areas. It stays far from the shore, where there is great depth and their favorite prey lives - squid. The sperm whale also hunts huge giant squid. Fights with them “reward” the whale with characteristic scars from the suckers of these mollusks.
The record length of the bowhead whale was 22 m and its weight was 150 tons. This weight is comparable to the weight of the animal that took first place in our top list, but it is seriously inferior to it in length. But the bowhead whale holds the record for life expectancy. With an average life expectancy of 40 years, according to some scientists, this whale can live up to 211 years. Among vertebrates, this is an absolute record, although it was recently discovered that the polar shark lives even longer - up to an unimaginable 512 years.
The bowhead whale spends its entire life in the cold polar waters of the Northern Hemisphere, retreating south from the growing ice in the winter and returning back in the spring. If a whale gets caught in ice, it breaks it with its huge body.
Adult individuals reach a length of 27 m and a weight of more than 70 tons. These giants have chosen the open ocean, rarely approaching the shores. They prefer solitude, although sometimes small groups of 4-6 whales are found. Despite their enormous length, fin whales are quite flexible and “slender”. They swim faster and dive deeper than many other cetaceans. The maximum recorded speed of the fin whale is 50 km/h, and its diving depth exceeds 250 m. Its speed allows it to feed not only on stationary krill, but also on small schooling fish.
After uncontrolled fishing for fin whales in the middle of the 20th century. The hunting of this whale was completely prohibited. In 2006, Iceland again allowed hunting for it. The current estimate of the number of fin whales is 50-55 thousand individuals.
Not only the largest modern animal, but also the largest that has ever lived on our planet. The maximum length of this giant is 33 meters, and its weight can exceed 150 tons. They live 80-90 years, and the oldest known blue whale was 110 years old. Like other cetaceans, it feeds exclusively on plankton, consuming 1 ton of it every day.
Uncontrolled fishing for the blue whale has almost completely destroyed it. In the 1960s, its population was estimated at only 5,000 individuals. Timely measures taken to protect the whale have yielded results and scientists currently estimate the number at 10,000 animals, which is already enough not to worry about the safety of the species.
The blue whale lives throughout the world's oceans.
2013 has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection in Russia. In our country there are many dates related to the protection and protection of flora, fauna, water, land, air and humans. Individual events and holidays of the year will be described on the “Ecological Page”. It is intended for a wide range of readers, teachers, and educators.
It has been celebrated since 1986 and is also called Whale Day. It is considered a day of protection not only for whales, but also for all marine mammals and other living creatures living in the seas and oceans. On this day, after 200 years of merciless extermination, the International Whale Commission introduced a ban on whaling. It is still in effect today and means that whale hunting, as well as the trade in whale meat, is prohibited throughout the world. After commercial whaling was banned, the numbers of some whale species began to recover. Currently, only indigenous whaling is permitted solely to meet the needs of the indigenous population, as well as the taking of whales for scientific purposes. Many of the marine mammals are endangered and are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Why are they called that?
These inhabitants of the sea are true mammals: they have a four-chambered heart; they are warm-blooded; females give birth to live young and feed them milk; have hair on their skin.
Mammals can live underwater, but they breathe with lungs and not with gills, like all fish. Based on this, it becomes clear that mammals cannot stay under water for a long time. They need to constantly surface to replenish the supply of air in their blood. It is believed that marine mammals once lived on the surface of the earth. Some sea animals can live both in water and on land.
Who are marine mammals?
Order Cetaceans, which includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Siren squad including dugongs and manatees. Representatives of the order of carnivores, which include otters and sea otters. Pinnipeds, including seals and sea lions.
How long can mammals go without breathing?
Marine mammals can stay underwater for varying amounts of time. For example, whales can go from 2 to 40 minutes without breathing underwater. A sperm whale can not breathe underwater for up to an hour and a half. The seal stays underwater for 15 minutes, diving to a depth of up to 150 m. The Arctic Wedell seal dives to a depth of up to 600 m for 70 minutes.
What do marine mammals eat?
Marine mammals, like land mammals, are predators and herbivores. For example, sirens are the only vegetarians among marine mammals, and whales and dolphins are predators. Herbivorous mammals feed on various algae, while predators need animal food - fish, crustaceans, mollusks or small seals.
What is the largest marine mammal?
The largest marine mammal is the blue whale. Due to its size, it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The average length of a giant is 25 meters. And the average weight is 100 tons. Despite their terrifying appearance, whales are not dangerous to people, as they feed exclusively on fish and plankton.
What is the most dangerous marine mammal?
The most dangerous marine mammal is the killer whale. Despite the fact that it does not attack humans, it is still a formidable predator. Even whales are afraid of her. It’s not for nothing that the killer whale is called a whale killer. In addition to whales, she can hunt dolphins, sea lions, seals and fur seals, as well as their calves. There have been cases of killer whales attacking elk and deer that swam across narrow coastal channels.
Which marine mammal is the friendliest?
The friendliest marine mammal to humans is the dolphin. There are many known cases where dolphins saved people who were shipwrecked. Dolphins never attack people. Dolphins are very smart and scientists have found that their brains can be even more developed than the human brain. Dolphins are used in the treatment of childhood diseases. A man grateful to this wonderful animal immortalized him in monuments.
Marine mammals are such interesting creatures. They are majestic and amazing. They are huge in size and can communicate with each other. Another characteristic of them is that they are peaceful and live their lives as families, caring and loving the members of their group.
References
- Bogatyreva, N. A. In the kingdom of Neptune: script / N. A. Bogatyreva // Pedagogical creativity. – 2008. – No. 12. – P. 7–8.
- Bulvanker, V. About whales and baby whales // From cat to whale / V. Bulvanker. – L., 1991. – P. 62–66.
About monuments to whales and dolphins.
- Gik, E. Little brothers on pedestals: monuments to animals for services to people / E. Gik // Svet. – 2010. – No. 4. – P. 39–42.
- Dozier, T. Whales and other marine mammals / T. Dozier; lane from English L. Zhdanova. – M., 1980. – 129 p.
- Zhukov, B. Singing slug / B. Zhukov // Around the world. – 2009. – No. 3. – P. 96–104.
About whales.
- Zotova, L. V. Inhabitants of the underwater world: a play for children 6–8 years old / L. V. Zotova // Books, sheet music and toys for Katyushka and Andryushka. – 2009. – No. 7. – P. 56–57. – (How beautiful this world is).
- Zueva, S. V. Journey into the depths of the sea: theatrical production // Read, learn, play. – 2007. – No. 5. – P. 78–84.
- Kryukova, N. S. Journey to the underwater world: an extracurricular activity / N. S. Kryukova // Leisure at school. – 2002. – No. 3. – P. 14–16.
- Molyukov, M.I. Animals of the Red Book of the USSR / M.I. Molyukov, O.L. Rossolimo. – M., 1989. – 192 p.
- Animal behavior / vol. edited by A. Perminov - M., 2003. - 191 p. – (Big Encyclopedia of Nature).
- Ryazantseva, L. M. “In the underwater kingdom of Neptune”: sea kaleidoscope / L. M. Ryazantseva // Pedagogical Council. – 2012. – No. 1. – P. 9–12.
- Khersonov, A. When dolphins are “put under arms” / A. Khersonov // Miracles and adventures. – 2012. – No. 5. – P. 56–59.
On the use of dolphins in military affairs.
- Shcherbakova, A. A. Inhabitants of the deep sea: February 19 – World Whale Day / A. A. Shcherbakova / Books, sheet music and toys for Katyushka and Andryushka. – 2009. – No. 12. – P. 55–57. – (Everything in the world is interesting).
- [Ecologists and dolphin therapy] // Knowledge - strength. – 2010. – No. 11. – P. 56.
This and other literature on the topic can be found in the department of periodicals, local history and methodological department of the Central Bank named after. A.N. Zyryanova (Sverdlov St., 57).
large marine mammal
Alternative descriptionsMoby Dick (what animal?)
Grass rope used to pull hay sweepers
A giant without charm with poor eyesight and excellent hearing
And the fin whale, and the narwhal, and vomited
Ambergris source
Who is a sei whale?
Locality (city) in the UK, Banff County
The most impressive mammal on Earth
A third of the earth's support (mythical)
Miracle Yudo
Equatorial constellation
The one on whom the matter rests (trans.)
Say "huge sea animal" in Greek in one word
In what constellation is the Mira star located?
In what constellation is the star Menkar located?
Who helped Aibolit overcome the sea?
Animal status of the minke whale
This animal inhales 2400 liters of air in 2 seconds
Largest mammal
Which animal has the heaviest babies?
Which mammal has the fattest milk?
A mammal that can make a fountain
The largest of mammals
Blue giant fauna
Plankton lover
. "floating fountain"
sea animal
One of the three animals on which the world rested among the ancients
A third of the earth's support (myth.)
Miracle Yudo Fish
Miracle Yudo, although not a fish
Moby Dick as a miracle
Biblical Jonah Eater
Splashes like a fountain
Who is the humpback?
fauna giant
Miracle Yudo with a fountain
Sperm whale
Ocean giant
Moby Dick
Toothless giant
Sea giant
Who is this vomit?
gushing animal
The one on whom the matter rests
Ocean giant
Who has the heaviest children?
Miracle fish
Who carried Aibolit across the sea?
Who gives the fattest milk?
Marine mammal
Plankton eater
Huge animal
Ran out of the burning sea
Sea giant
Swap with a cat in a fairy tale
The prophet Jonah visited his womb
Fountaining giant in the sea
Ocean fountain
Ocean carcass with its own shower
Both the sperm whale and the fin whale
Singer Urban
. “fish” whose life flows like a fountain
The loudest animal in the world
Fin whale, like sei whale
In what constellation is Menkar?
Sea "fountain" with a tail
Fin whale, sperm whale
Sea giant
aquatic animal
. "living fountain"
The role of D. Pevtsov in the film “The Lion's Share”
Waterfowl pygmy
Equatorial constellation
Largest marine mammal
Large marine mammal
Mammal of the minke family
. "Living Fountain"
. "Floating Fountain"
. "Fish" whose life flows like a fountain
In what constellation is Menkar
Who carried Aibolit across the sea
Who gives the fattest milk?
Who helped Aibolit overcome the sea
Who's the one who puked?
Who is the humpback
Man-eater, sea wolf (dog), the largest shark, Squalus Carcharias, three fathoms; without breathing
M. Greek Leys church kulema kamch. the marine dairy animal, the largest of all living animals, Cete; There are several species of whales that make up the genus or family of cetaceans. real, catcher, Balaena mystecutus, up to soot. long; baleen covers his palate across and is covered by his lower jaw. Gibar, thinner than a whale, layer (feather) along the ridge. Golovach and rorqual, smaller ones. Sperm whale, Physeter, head third of the body. Spitter whale, Phys. macrocefalus, not smaller than the whale, from it spermaceti (fat wax), in a special part of the skull, as well as ambergris, from the intestines. Titus is in grief like a whale in the sea. The earth stands on three pillars. Whale, related to whale. Baleen, horny gums or the palate of a whale, elastic plates. Kitovina whale meat, blubber, fat. Cetacean, -shaped, whale-like, or whale-like. Cataboy, whaler, catolov m. whale industrialist; a vessel equipped for this fishery. Catering, whaling, whaling, related to catching and fighting whales. Cato-killing or whaling cf. whale fishing
M. German. lubricant, putty, cement, all kinds of paste used for gluing and soldering various substances
Moby Dick
Sea "fountain" with a tail
Say "huge sea animal" in Greek in one word
Which animal has the heaviest babies?
Who has the heaviest children?
In what constellation is the Mira star located?
In what constellation is the star Menkar located?
Which mammal has the fattest milk?
The role of D. Pevtsov in the film "The Lion's Share"
The largest mammal on the planet
The largest sea animal
It is no secret that the seas and oceans are places of distribution and habitat of the most unusual, beautiful and simply amazing animals. Until now, the seas still present surprises to researchers. Discoveries of incredible animals are made, their way of life and interactions with each other are studied.
Among the marine and ocean inhabitants there are representatives of all classes of animals, except perhaps birds. And even then, depending on what point of view you look at them from. After all, many birds hunt in water, and penguins generally live in the ocean. But in this article I would like to focus specifically on those who fit the definition of “marine mammal.”
Fauna of seas and oceans
The organoleptics and chemical composition of water in the seas and oceans are almost the same. Water differs only in the content of certain elements and in the concentration of salts. Therefore, their fauna is also extremely similar. Animals of the seas easily go into the ocean, and animals of the oceans feel great in the seas.
The fauna of these reservoirs is represented by animals of the following classes:
- Shellfish of all kinds.
- Crustaceans.
- Fish.
- Polyps.
- Sponges.
- Hydroid.
- Insects.
- Amphibians.
- Reptiles.
- Mammals.
- Birds.
It is obvious that the organic world of the oceans and seas is extremely diverse and large in volume of biomass. Among all the fauna, the marine mammal deserves special attention. Most often they live both on land and in water. However, there are also purely aquatic inhabitants.
Species diversity of mammals in the seas
The species of mammals living in the seas and oceans are very interesting and diverse both in their lifestyle and in appearance. Let's look at the main representatives.
- Whales. These include different species: blue, gray, bowhead, sperm whales, humpbacks, beaked whales, minke whales and others.
- Killer whales. Animals very close to whales, dangerous killers of sea and ocean spaces.
- Dolphins. Different species: bottlenose dolphins, beaked dolphins, short-headed dolphins, porpoises, beluga whales and others.
- Seals. Animals of the seal genus, the most common being the ringed seal.
- Seals. They include several varieties: lionfish, spotted seals, eared seals, true seals, bearded seals and others.
- There are two types of elephant seals: northern and southern.
- Sea lions.
- Sea cows are today a marine mammal almost exterminated by humans.
- Walruses.
- Navy seals.
In total, there are over 120 species of various marine mammals.
Signs of mammals
Like land species, sea and ocean animals also have distinctive features that allow them to be classified as mammals. What animals are classified as mammals?
- Like all representatives of this class, marine and ocean mammals are characterized by feeding their offspring with milk through special mammary glands.
- These animals bear offspring within themselves (fetal development) and reproduce through the process of viviparity.
- These are poikilothermic animals (warm-blooded), they have sweat glands, a thick layer of subcutaneous fat glycogen.
- There is a diaphragm available to allow breathing.
These devices make it possible to confidently classify all of the above animals as marine and ocean mammals.
Features of the lifestyle of marine animals
Animals of the seas and oceans have a number of adaptations in order to feel confident and safe in the expanses of water. So, for example:
- limbs transformed into flippers for fast movement;
- many of them have powerful sharp teeth (predators and carnivores);
- large body size with a thick layer of subcutaneous fat;
- streamlined body shape, increasing speed of movement;
- the ability to give each other sound signals (for the majority).
Thanks to such adaptations, marine animals of the ocean coexist perfectly with each other and the surrounding world. Most often, sea mammals try to stay in a herd. This is typical for those who cannot protect themselves from large predators other than fleeing otters, seals, lions, seals).
Others, on the contrary, prefer loneliness. This is more convenient for hunting and pursuing prey (sperm whales, killer whales, predatory species of dolphins and whales).
Marine mammals, with rare exceptions, are diurnal. At night they usually rest. However, there are exceptions (some seals are nocturnal).
Mammals of the seabed
A marine mammal that moves along the very bottom of the depths of oceans and seas - dugong or (siren). This animal is completely harmless; it fully lives up to its name, as it feeds exclusively on bottom vegetation.
The sizes are average compared to other mammals of the seas: about 4 m in length, weight approximately 600-650 kg. A person can calmly swim next to a sea cow and even touch and stroke it. The animal is very affectionate, obedient and harmless, like a child.
In addition, this animal is one of the oldest on our planet (it appeared about 50 million years ago), it is listed in the Red Book. This is perhaps the only representative belonging to the category “animals of the seabed”.
Other representatives of marine mammals prefer to spend time at the surface or in the water column, rarely sinking to the bottom.
The most dangerous animals of the oceans
The most dangerous ocean animals include:
- Killer whales (killer whales). They weigh more than 8 tons and reach 10 m in length. They are merciless killers that feed on large fish, mammals and their own relatives - whales.
- Sperm whales. They attack squid, octopuses and giant mollusks, and can eat large fish. The weight of the animal is about 50 tons, and its length is over 20 m.
- Sea lions. Seemingly cute and completely harmless animals often attack humans, as they strictly guard their possessions. In addition, they are carnivorous and feed on fish and small animals.
Of course, there are many more dangers hidden in the oceans. However, among mammals and representatives of marine fauna, the most dangerous are those listed above. The rest are either herbivores or feed on plankton or small animals.
The largest animals of the oceans
The largest mammals include the following representatives:
- Blue or - reaches 33 m in length. Its weight varies from 90 to 120 tons. The heart alone weighs more than 600 kg!
- Southern elephant seal - reaches a length of 6 m. Weight is from 5 to 6 tons. In addition to their enormous size, these animals are also predators - dangerous and ferocious. They are capable of diving into water to a depth of over a thousand meters if they set themselves the goal of catching up with the victim at all costs.
- Walruses reach a length of 4 m and weigh up to 2 tons. Very impressive in size for a completely harmless disposition - they feed on small invertebrates, tearing them out of the silt and sand at the bottom of coastal zones. Large dormouse spend a lot of time sleeping in groups on the banks of water bodies.
The most harmless animals of the seas and oceans
Which are the most harmless mammals of the sea and ocean? The answer is known to every schoolchild: of course, bottlenose dolphins! Lovers of swimming with people, friendly and beautiful - they rejoice and play, splash, jump (up to 6 m in height!) and bring a lot of fun and pleasure to people.
Also harmless marine animals include seals, otters, fur seals and some whales.