The walrus, also know as the saber-tooth seal, is a large flippered mammal. Walrus means gregarious marine animal and is related to eared seals as both animals have two large down-pointing tusks. The walrus’s scientific name is Odobenus rosmarus. The walrus also has mustache. Walruses live in the Arctic. Walruses tusks are very helpful. They can haul big animal bodies out of water (i.e. tooth walking) and they also use their tusks to break holes in the ice. Walruses tusks can grow up to 3 feet for both male and female (National Geographic).
The walrus population is 250,000 animals. There are 200,000 walruses in the Pacific; however, the walrus population is decreasing due to hunters (Defenders). Walruses change color from pink to a lighter cinnamon brown to a lighter shade, when they go into colder water. When the walrus gets hot, blood pumps into its blubber and its skin and gets cooled by the air or water. When they get cold, they can reduce the blood flow to the skin and blubber to save heat. Walruses are able to adjust their temperature surroundings with their bool circular system (Library Thinkquest).
Newborns have a thin layer of blubber and are covered with a coat of short gray hairs which comes in handy since they are born on ice floes. Walruses can't see very well, but their hearing and sense of smell is really good. Walruses touch is very important because walruses are very social (Environmental Giraffe).
The two different types of walruses are the Atlantic walrus and the Pacific walrus. The Atlantic walrus inhabit coastal areas from northern eastern Canada and the Pacific walrus inhabit the northern seas off Russia and Alaska . The Atlantic walrus is bigger than the Pacific walrus (National Geographic).
Walrus tusks a...
... middle of paper ...
... the polar bear. The polar bear kills the walrus when it is on land were as the orca whale kills it when it is in the water swimming (Wheats).
Humans use walrus for many things. One, Humans eat this animal. Two, they use this animal for light in oil lamps. Three, its skin is durable so it covers big boats and its tusks make lance or spear points or are carved into a great variety of useful and ornamental objects (Library Thinkquest).
Only Native Americans can hunt walruses, as the species survival was threatened in the past by overhunting. Their tusks, oil, and meat were so sought after in the 18th and 19th centuries that walrus was hunted to extinction in the gulf of St. Lawrence and around Sable Island, off the coast of Nova Scotia. Walruses are very interesting animals and they deserve so much more attention. They are really cool animals. (National Geographic).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the walrus, also known as saber-tooth seal, is a large flippered mammal and is related to eared seals as both animals have two large down-pointing tusks.
- Explains that the walrus population is 250,000 animals in the pacific, but it is decreasing due to hunters. walruses can adjust their temperature surroundings with their bool circular system.
- Explains that newborns have a thin layer of blubber and are covered with short gray hairs. walruses can't see very well, but their hearing and sense of smell is really good.
- Explains that the atlantic and pacific walruses inhabit coastal areas from northern eastern canada and the northern seas off russia and alaska.
- Explains that walruses have fur all over their body except their appendages. they use their hind flippers as a motor to move their large bodies through the water.
- Explains that the walruses habitat is the arctic. females spend most of their time on ice, while males on boulder beaches.
- Explains that walruses are social and establish dominance through threat displays involving tusks, bodies, and aggression. they migrate north in winter and south in summer.
- Explains that walruses eat clams, mussels, and other benthic animals. they track down their food using their whiskers on their face.
- Explains the scientific name of the walrus, odobenus rosmarus, which means tooth-walking sea horse in latin.
- Compares walruses with trees, and explains that the wrinkly skin protects them when other animals are trying to hunt them down.
- Explains that humans use walrus for many things, including light in oil lamps, durable skin, lance or spear points, and ornamental objects.
- Explains that only native americans can hunt walruses, as their survival was threatened by overhunting. walrus was hunted to extinction in the gulf of st. lawrence and around sable island, off the coast of nova scotia.
Related
- explanatory
- Sea Otters Essayexplanatory essayIt's been an interesting last.. Hmm? 40 years I would say, for the Sea Otter. Sea otters, are a
In this essay, the author
- Explains that cambria is a very common area known for sea otters in central california.
- Explains that the bottom, pinnacles, and offshore rocks are a home for numerous wildlife, including sea.
- Explains that sanctuary and the sea otter refuge are in conjunction with white rock state marine.
- Explains that sea otters have made a comeback and for the majority aren't at risk anymore.
- Explains that sea otters spend most of their time in the ocean but sometimes come ashore to rest. they have water-repellent fur to keep their warm, webbed feet, ears and nostrils that close when in water.
- Explains that sea otters hunt in short dives to the sea floor to forage, which is inhabiting offshore environments. they are the secret success of healthy kelp where they live.
- Opines that the endangered species act prevents accidental killings and prohibits purposeful killing or harassment of sea otters.
- Describes cambria slab as a 5000 ft. late-cretaceous sandstone deposited in an area of rapid subduction midst the plate tectonic assembly of the present coastal california.
- Explains that the fiscalini ranch preserve protects over a mile of the pacific coast ocean line, which also has sea otters.
- Explains that the sea otter was first named lutra marina in 1751 by linnaeus. since 1922, it is now known as enhydra lutris.
- Explains that sea otters are a divergent group including weasels, badgers, links, and the 13 otter species.
- Explains that clawed otter and the enhydra lineage were extinct relatives of the sea otters, and shared an ancestor about 5 million years ago.
- Concludes that sea otters have had a lot going on in the last 40 years, especially considering how after the fur trade it's taken them about 200 years to slowly repopulate.
1339 wordsRead More - Bottlenose Dolphin Research Paperexplanatory essayA bottlenose dolphin is an endothermic mammal that gives birth to live young. Bottlenose dolphins are the most common and well known type of dolphin. The name bottlenose describes this species of dolphin as they have a short, stubby beak (bottle-like shape). A bottlenose dolphin is a cetacean, which means it is a marine mammal. They are also one of the most-commonly studied cetacean because they live near coasts and adjust well to captivity. It’s Genus and Species names are; Tursiops Truncatus.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a bottlenose dolphin is an endothermic mammal that gives birth to live young.
- Explains that a bottlenose dolphin's pectoral flippers are used to steer and stop. the dorsal fin helps the dolphin maintain its balance as it swims.
- Explains that a bottlenose dolphin lives in groups of 10-30 dolphins which are called "pods" and some offshore have been seen in several hundred herds.
- Explains that bottlenose dolphins aren't endangered, but face problems due to human impact on the ocean environment, such as pollution, fishing gear, boats, and hunting.
- Explains that bottlenose dolphins hunt using echolocation, which is a physiological process for locating distant or invisible objects by sound waves reflected back to the emitter from the objects.
- Explains that male and female bottlenose dolphins may have multiple mates throughout the mating and breeding season. males can be aggressive towards each other when it comes to the right mate.
- Explains that bottlenose dolphins are called cows, bulls and calves, and a calf can nurse three to eight times an hour for five to ten seconds. calves can stay with their mother up to six years.
- Describes how a bottlenose dolphin obtains oxygen by breathing through its blowhole, which is located at the top of its head.
- Explains that the orca (killer whale) is considered a dolphin. there are three subspecies of bottlenose dolphin; atlantic, pacific, and southern hemisphere.
- Explains that dolphins are very interesting creatures, and there are ways to learn about them. they are fighting pollution and many other issues, so help save our oceans!
677 wordsRead More - Killer Whales Essayexplanatory essayKiller whales (Ordines) are most commonly found in highly productive areas of cold-water like the Pacific Northwest, along northern Norway’s coast in the Atlantic, and the higher latitudes of the Southern Ocean. Killer whales are often found in warm areas such as Florida, Hawaii, Australia, the Galapagos Island, the Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico and more temperate such as New Zealand and South Africa. Although they do show the Killer whales ability to venture into tropical waters such sightings are highly infrequent. Killer Whales are the most widely distributed mammal in the world. Killer Whales seem to be the most abundant in coastal waters, but are also found in Open Ocean.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the north atlantic killer whales migrate based on their prey, their migration is seasonal.
- Explains that the orca's fundamental niche is very similar to its realized niche because it can live successfully in many oceanic conditions and feed on a variety of animals.
- Explains that females mature faster than males when it comes to age maturity. killer whales live in pods and mate every 3 to 7 years due to what is known as polyestrous cycle.
- Explains that killer whales belong to the "delphinidae" family which makes them closer relatives of the dolphins. they are known by different names like orca, blackfish, or grampus.
- Explains that male antarctic type a killer whales can reach lengths of 9.2 m (30 ft.) making them the largest known whale.
- Opines that it is not fully understood why wild killer whale populations develop abnormal dorsal fins or why the observed males around new zealand had such a high rate compared to other studied populations.
- Explains that killer whales are the most widely distributed mammal in the world. they are agile and maneuverable.
- Explains that orcas are the apex predator of the ocean, feeding on fish, whales, sharks and penguins. they range between 16 and 26 feet long and can weigh up to 22,000 pounds.
- Explains that orcas are in the same family as dolphins and pilot whales. they are known as blackfish, sword whale, and assassin whale.
2026 wordsRead More - Narwhal Essayexplanatory essayNarwhals are toothed whales that are primarily located in the arctic. The protruding tusk located in the front of the narwhal is often mistaken for a horn but, it is actually a canine tooth. Excluding the tusk both genders of narwhals can grow anywhere between 8-13 feet in length. The narwhal can also weigh up to almost 2 tons. Narwhals are mammals just like any other whale, but Narwhal's don't have dorsal fins on their back and their neck vertebrate is fused unlike most whales.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that narwhals can live up to fifty years old. the main reason for their death is not natural.
- Explains that there are many myths about narwhals in legend and literature in art.
- Opines that the narwhal is an amazing animal and needs to be conserved. the tusk is used to show rivals that they are better for their mate.
- Explains that narwhals are toothed whales that are primarily located in the arctic. the protruding tusk is a canine tooth.
- Explains that narwhals move in herds called pods and communicate with clicks, squeals, and trills. they migrate seasonally and prefer different areas per season.
906 wordsRead More - Killer Whale Essayexplanatory essaySOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALE An English naturalist Charles Darwin (1802-1882) developed a theory of biological evolution. He studied variation in plants and animals during his five years’ voyage around the world in the 19th century. Darwin studied hundreds of species, which he researches variations between locations. His theory states that all species of organism arise and develop through natural selection. Natural selection is the process of organisms that adapt to their surrounding environment, which tend to survive and produce more offspring.
In this essay, the author
- Explains charles darwin's theory of biological evolution, which states that all species of organism arise and develop through natural selection.
- Explains that the killer whale is a part of the toothed whale suborder, consisting exclusively of porpoises, whales and dolphins that are born with teeth, instead of baleen plates.
- Explains that animalia is characterised by eukaryotic and heterotrophic organisms, multicellular, growth pattern, habitat is mostly oceanic, organ system, etc.
- Explains the phylum of chordata, which includes organisms that have supporting skeleton of bone or cartilage inside their body.
- Explains that mammalia are warm-blooded vertebrates that nourish their young with milk and have less hair than other organisms.
- Explains the cetacean order, which has no hind limbs and a blowhole for breathing, consisted of toothed whales.
- Explains that the diagram shows the ecology of the killer whale and the hierarchal system.
- Explains that the killer whale is distributed throughout the world, but are most abundant in coastal waters.
- Explains that the killer whale population is around 50,000 left, but the southern resident killer whale population globally is 78 left. the orca is critically endangered in the wild.
- Explains that king or chinook salmon obtains 80% of the killer whale's diet.
- Explains that toxic waste dumps, industrial and human pollutant in the ocean have caused serious threats to the killer whale population.
- Explains that ocean noise and increasing vessel traffic blocks the ability for killer whales to communicate, forage, and use echolocation. without these adaptations, orcas are in critical danger of extinction.
- Explains that the killer whale's diet consists of small aquatic life forms, such as squid, fish and octopuses, as well as larger marine animals.
- Explains the physical appearance of the killer whale, which includes black backs, white chest and sides, and white circles above and behind the eyes.
- Explains that urban growth, deforestation, and pollution have put a strain on salmon. genetically modified fish escape and interbreed with salmon, creating new genetic characteristic.
- Explains that the waters where killer whales migrate are extremely busy due to commercial shipping, fisheries and whale watching. the surface and breathing is a critical aspect of their function.
- Opines that conservation techniques can improve the future of the population of orca’s. if the threats continue, the southern resident orcas will become extinct in the near future.
1032 wordsRead More - Essay On Colonial Whalingexplanatory essayThe United States had the most fascinating whaling history. Whaling is the practice or industry
In this essay, the author
- Explains that whaling ports in america suffered due to the american revolution also nantucket.
- Explains that the united states had the most fascinating whaling history. colonial whaling started in the early 20th century when the pilgrims landed.
- Explains that sperm whales' oil burned cleanly and brightly, making them superior lubricants, candles, and a bone that grows on top of their mouth.
- Explains that sperm whales became integral members of the first colonial shore whaling operation. hunters created a unique type of ship, called the factory ship.
- Explains that whalers, known as hunters, outfitted individual masted floating vessels called sloops to go after the whales.
- Narrates how the american revolution and the war of 1812 brought sperm oil to the united states and europe. american shipping was brought to an end in ports from england and even in france. the ahe act was abolished in 1809.
490 wordsRead More - The Bottle-nosed Dolphinexplanatory essayA Bottle-nosed dolphin skeletal system is believed to be originated from the basic mammalian skeleton, but has gone through a number of changes. Firstly the forelimbs have been modified into flippers and the bones of the hind limbs have disappeared altogether. Such bones as the rib cage and the spin have also undergone transformation in the fact that they have cured and caved-in due to water pressure. These creatures hold their breath for about 15 minutes before having to submerge for air. The Bottle-nosed dolphin is an amazingly strong creature. Because it never stops swimming, the Bottle-nosed dolphin has a very powerful tail, which is capable of supporting its weight of about 400 kg.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the bottle-nosed dolphin is the most studied and generally the best-known species of dolphin.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins are intelligent individuals who can jump through hoops 5 meters high because of their powerful tail. they can raise themselves upright out of the water and travel backwards.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins are generally coastal creatures, occurring along almost all tropical and temperate coasts, although offshore varieties also occur.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins feed on shrimp, squid, small sharks, other vertebrates, and fish.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins are an extremely adaptable mammal. they are chubby with a dark gray complexion, while in australian waters, they are thin, light gray.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins mature between the age of 5 to 12 years, and males at 9 to 13 years. they have a multimale, multifemale mating society.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins are dark gray or black above, with a lighter colour on its stomach, which can change to pink in warm water.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins were hunted in the 19th and 20th centuries for their skin, but now are a legally protected species but killings still occur due to angry fishermen.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins communicate by whistles, rasping sounds, and echolocation. they swim with ships for food, which is common for cruise ships.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins have great hearing capabilities, just as we use the power of speech. they respond to tones within the frequency range of 1 to 150 khz.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins have an acute vision both in and out of the water. they have a highly developed tapetum lacidum, which reflects light through the retina, giving them enhanced vision in dim light.
- Explains that the bottle-nosed dolphin's skeletal system originated from the basic mammalian skeleton, but has gone through a number of changes.
- Explains that bottle-nosed dolphins have retia mirablilia and 'wounder nets' to protect vital organs from the effects of water pressure.
1126 wordsRead More - Whaling Essayexplanatory essayThe numbers of marine mammals present in waters under the jurisdiction of the United States has fluctuated over the past century. Declines have been credited to various causes, which are a mix of anthropogenic and natural processes. One major cause of marine mammal decline is whaling. Even though this practice has been prohibited, the effects of commercial whaling in the United States can still be seen today. The main whale species affected included North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus). Sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were exploited in an increased fashion after World War II (Springer et al., 2003). Whaling did not only affect whale populations, but it also affects populations of seals, sea lions, and sea otters. This is hypothesized to be the result of top-down forces from whaling, forcing great whales to shift their food sources to these smaller marine mammals. During the Second World War, whaling of great whales was at its peak. These whales were used for oils for lubricants, food, and other needs of the people of the United States. However, this heavy use of great whale stocks forced killer whales (Orcinus orca) to begin feeding on smaller marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, and sea otters (Trites et al., 2006). It is also thought that declines in these smaller marine mammals is due to a decline in nutritional limits in their habitats, competition with fisheries, as well as changing climates.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the decline of marine mammals has been attributed to anthropogenic and natural processes, such as whaling.
- Explains that the north atlantic right whale (eubalaena glacialis) has had a slow recovery since the cessation of commercial whaling.
- Explains that steller sea lions (eumetopias jubatus) are one of the most well-known species when it comes to declines in animal stocks.
- Explains that sea otters in the north pacific were heavily exploited for their fur during the 1700s and 19th century.
928 wordsRead More - Essay On Polar Bearsexplanatory essayPolar bears are one of the Earth’s largest and most powerful carnivores. These bears are dependent on sea ice as their primary habitat and are thus found on the Arctic coasts of North America. The scientific term used to describe polar bears, Ursus maritimus translates to sea bear because polar bears spend most of their lives on the Arctic ice. A common misconception the public holds is that polar bears are white; their fur is actually consists of two transparent layers: hollow guard hairs and an undercoat. While the two layers appear white because the air spaces in each hair scatter light, they are actually transparent and the black skin underneath the fur is penetrated by sunlight, warming the bears body. Polar bears are the largest of
In this essay, the author
- Explains that polar bears are one of the earth's largest and most powerful carnivores, dependent on sea ice as their primary habitat and are found on the arctic coasts of north america.
- Explains that the biggest threat to the polar bear species is global warming, as the heating of the earth is melting away their habitat.
- Explains that polar bears are currently listed as a threatened species. their geographical range is determined by the level of ice in coastal areas.
- Explains that although polar bears have high genetic diversity, they have a low adaptability to change due to their long generation time and low reproductive rate.
- Explains that polar bears are the top carnivore of the arctic and play a critical role in the food chain.
- Explains that polar bears are dependent on the arctic ice to sleep, mate and eat.
- Explains that the u.s. fish and wildlife service has created a polar bear conservation management plan to ensure polar bears would no longer be classified as threatened under the endangered species act.
- Opines that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the most critical first step for the survival of polar bears.
- Explains that polar bears represent the effects of global warming in the arctic. many organizations, such as the world wildlife fund, have advocated for a global response to address the challenges of climate change to government officials.
1695 wordsRead More - Polar Bears Essayexplanatory essayIn 2002 the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf, which has been in the Artic for 3,000 years, split in half. (http://www.brighthub.com). The shelf keep braking into smaller pieces, which also serves as natural home to polar bears. If the shelf continues to break then the polar bears in the artic will eventually won’t have a habitat to live in. This is also affecting the food that they eat. Polar bears usually feed mainly on ringed and bearded seals and whales (http://seaworld.org). That depends on what location that they are in. A polar bear can take in about 20% of its own weight in food. This only occurs when its energy demands are high. What is interesting is that a polar bear needs to have an average of about 4 pounds of fat per day to obtain enough energy to survive (http://seaworld.org) this is why they usually look for ringed seal because they weight about 120 pounds and this could be enough to hold a polar bear for about eight days. Polar bears have an interesting tactic they stalk ringed seals at the birth lairs. The lairs for the ringed seal are in caves under the snow drifts next to a hole in the ice. Once the birth lair is identified the polar bear slowly position itself near it. Once the bear smells or hear a seal in the lair she break through the roof of it and tries to get to the seal. Sometimes this method is not a success because it take a few time to break through the top of the lair. This method is usually done be the female polar bear and most of the time the seal get anyway while the bear is trying to break through the roof (http://seaworld.org). Since the polar bear food is becoming scarce they have to travel outside of their natural habitat to find food. This is unusually for the polar bear to exhibits the sort of behavior. That’s why we are noticing polar bears in places that you wouldn’t normally see them. The journey for the Polar bear to find food is
In this essay, the author
- Explains that humans have increased the level of ghgs of the world by burning fossil fuels, oil and coal, and deforestation, which is soaking up carbon from the air and cleaning the atmosphere.
- Explains that global warming is causing the melting of ice cap and having a tremendous effect on the polar bears life. the ward hunt ice shelf, which has been in the artic for 3,000 years, split in half.
- Explains that polar bears travel outside of their natural habitat to find food. sharks and killer whales are on the top of the list when it comes to danger.
- Explains that the kodiak brown bear and the polar bear are the largest carnivores in the biologically rich artic. the polar caps region has a huge impact on the world’s climate.
- Explains that melting ice caps are causing polar bears to consume food that they wouldn't normally eat.
1469 wordsRead More