Adaptations of Aquatic Animals

•Dolphins•Sea Turtles•Orca Whales•Sea Lions

There are many different types of animals that live in the ocean, and they all have different ways of adapting to their environment.

DolphinsBiological Classification

Kingdom: AnamaliaPhylum: Cordata (Vertebrates)Class: MammaliaOrder: CetaceaSub-Order: OdontocetiFamily: DelphinidaeGenus: DelphinusSpecies: Delphis

Body StructureStreamlined bodiesFlippers and powerful tailSmooth skinHairless, thick, and lacks glandsThick layer of blubber

SensesFairly good eye sightRely on hearingEcholocation

Feeding HabitsCarnivoresFeed on Squid, Octopus, and

CuttlefishHave 4-252 teethOne set of teeth for life

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles tend to look sad, like they are crying right?

Why is this?

• Sea Turtles have a salt gland• Rids their body of extra salt• Gland empties into the eye•Sea Turtle is crying!

Prilfish, “Sea Turtle”, July 28, 2007, Creative Commons Attribution.

StructureStrong SwimmersPaddle-like flippersShell for protection

•Dive more than 1,000 ft.

•Slow Metabolism

•Can stay submerged for long periods of time

•No need for freshwater

Many adaptations that make Sea Turtles successful in the sea make them slow and vulnerable on land.

Mi-Ly, “ face to face”, October 10, 2008, Creative Commons Attribution

Orca WhalesAlso known as Killer WhalesAverage Length: 18-32 ft.Average Weight: 2.6-9 tonsTravel up to 34 mph

F0rbe5, “Sperm Whale Diving at Kaikoura”, January 23, 2007, Creative Commons Attribution.

HabitatLives in all oceans of the worldCommonly seen in:

* Vancouver Island* Off Antarctica* Norway* Iceland* Occasionally in many other

areas

ThreatsBeing captured for public displayHuntingPollution

Greenpeace F, “Defend the Whales! “, November 22, 2006, Creative Commons Attribution.

Feeding HabitsOrcas have a varied diet

* Squid * Birds* Fish * Sea Turtles* Seals * Dolphins* Even Blue Whales!

Social AnimalsOrcas stay in long-term social

groups called “pods” for life.Range in size from 3-25 whales.

Treklightly, “Orca Pod”, November 14, 2008, Creative Commons Attribution.

Sea LionsFamily: OtariidaeClass: Marine Mammal

Mtchm, “Wanna play with me?”, September 12, 2006. Creative Commons Attribution.

Body StructureWalk/run using front & back

flippersSealine shapeExternal ear flapsBody temp. is 99.5 degrees FThick layer of blubber

Habitat/ Food SourceInhabit cooler waters of the North

PacificFeed on:

* Variety of fish* Octopus* Squid

All these aquatic animals have many characteristics, some the same, some different that allow them to adapt and live in their environment.

The End

Ucumari, “Smile for the camera!”, December 4, 2008, Creative Commons Attribution.

Serch, “Take the Fish”, June 19, 2007, Creative Commons Attribution

emilie qiquere, “Kiska”, January 3, 2008, Creative Commons Attribution.

Kirill: Neverwinter Alps, “Snorkeling at Madagascar,” May 6, 2008, Creative Commons Attribution.