There are many different organisms and mammals that inhabit the oceans of our world and each one is unique and special to their environments. Each organism has a vital role to play and each is important in keeping our oceans balanced. Two of my favorite animals that I’d like to explore further is the sea otters and the manatees, both amazing marine mammals. Both animals are now considered endangered and many have taken acts towards conservation for them to perhaps strive once again in the future. But, before these acts are taken, you have to know what makes these mammals so special and what they contribute to our society.
Firstly, Sea otters come from the Mustelidae (weasel) family, which includes the three subspecies, such as the Northern sea otter. They are the second smallest marine animals, but the heaviest of the Mustelidae family. Instead of having blubber, like other marine animals, they have a thick fur, which is the densest of any in the Animal kingdom. Most of the otter species have now become endangered, with numbers that used to reach a million, but due to history’s fur trade, their numbers have fallen to just 106,000 worldwide. Female sea otters can live up to twenty years in the …show more content…
They are also viviparous, which means they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Sea otters also don’t breed until later in life, which begins with a courtship of rolling and removing themselves from the rest of the group at around the age of seven. The gestation period of sea otters is longer than other types of otter, such as the river otters, and it can last up to twelve months, with pups being born in the water. And, after eight months, a sea otter can become independent. The average liter of sea otters is one pup and sometimes they will have twins, but usually only one survives due to their mother caring for the stronger of the
Firstly, Sea otters come from the Mustelidae (weasel) family, which includes the three subspecies, such as the Northern sea otter. They are the second smallest marine animals, but the heaviest of the Mustelidae family. Instead of having blubber, like other marine animals, they have a thick fur, which is the densest of any in the Animal kingdom. Most of the otter species have now become endangered, with numbers that used to reach a million, but due to history’s fur trade, their numbers have fallen to just 106,000 worldwide. Female sea otters can live up to twenty years in the …show more content…
They are also viviparous, which means they give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Sea otters also don’t breed until later in life, which begins with a courtship of rolling and removing themselves from the rest of the group at around the age of seven. The gestation period of sea otters is longer than other types of otter, such as the river otters, and it can last up to twelve months, with pups being born in the water. And, after eight months, a sea otter can become independent. The average liter of sea otters is one pup and sometimes they will have twins, but usually only one survives due to their mother caring for the stronger of the