Marine MammalsMarine Mammals

ClassificationsClassifications

Whales Dolphins and Porpoises- Order CetaceaWhales Dolphins and Porpoises- Order Cetacea

Cetaceans are further broken down into:Cetaceans are further broken down into:– Suborder Mysticeti (Beard Bearing)-Baleen WhalesSuborder Mysticeti (Beard Bearing)-Baleen Whales– Suborder Odonticeti (Tooth Bearing)-Sperm whales and DolphinsSuborder Odonticeti (Tooth Bearing)-Sperm whales and Dolphins

Cetaceans ContinuedCetaceans Continued

Baleen Whale such as, Baleen Whale such as, Gray, Blue, Fin, minke and Gray, Blue, Fin, minke and Humpback’s are Rorqual Humpback’s are Rorqual Whales. They have pleats Whales. They have pleats under the mouth that aid in under the mouth that aid in feeding (Baleen).feeding (Baleen).

Mysticeti: 2 blow holesMysticeti: 2 blow holes Odonticeti: 1 blow hole Odonticeti: 1 blow hole The Killer Whale is the The Killer Whale is the

largest member of the largest member of the Dolphin Family.Dolphin Family.

Cetaceans Anatomy Cetaceans Anatomy baleenbaleen Mellon Mellon

Sperm Whale has a large spermaceti organ that is Sperm Whale has a large spermaceti organ that is also called the Mellonalso called the Mellon

Baleen whales such as the Humpback only have Baleen whales such as the Humpback only have baleen on the top jaw.baleen on the top jaw.

Rorqual pleats of a Fin whaleRorqual pleats of a Fin whale

Polar Bears, Sea Otters, Manatees Polar Bears, Sea Otters, Manatees (Order Carnivora) (Order Carnivora)

Polar Bears- Family Ursus (Bear Family).Polar Bears- Family Ursus (Bear Family).

Scientific Name is Ursus Maritimus (Sea Bear)Scientific Name is Ursus Maritimus (Sea Bear) Sea Otter- Family Mustilidae (Weasel Family)Sea Otter- Family Mustilidae (Weasel Family) Manatee- Order Sirenia (Named for the Manatee- Order Sirenia (Named for the

Sirens of Greek Mythology because sailors Sirens of Greek Mythology because sailors believed them to be Mermaids)believed them to be Mermaids)

Order Pinnipedia (Feather-Foot)Order Pinnipedia (Feather-Foot) Seals, Sea Lions and WalrusesSeals, Sea Lions and Walruses Differences between Seals and Sea Lions:Differences between Seals and Sea Lions:

SealSeal Sea LionSea Lion

EarsEars No External EarsNo External Ears External EarsExternal Ears

Propelling finsPropelling fins PosteriorPosterior AnteriorAnterior

NeckNeck ShortShort LongLong

Land MovementLand Movement CaterpillarCaterpillar Rotate Hips and Rotate Hips and WalkWalk

Nails on FlippersNails on Flippers YesYes NoNo

Pinnipeds ContinuedPinnipeds Continued

The Walrus is the largest Pinnipedia SpeciesThe Walrus is the largest Pinnipedia Species Southern California has two species of Pinnipeds: Southern California has two species of Pinnipeds:

California Sea Lion, Harbor SealCalifornia Sea Lion, Harbor Seal The Leopard Seal is the “Polar Bear” of the AntarcticThe Leopard Seal is the “Polar Bear” of the Antarctic