Állat
California sea lion
Small ears, strong flippers and sensitive whiskers reveal the life of a marine hunter.
A tartalom nyelve
A sea lion has small external earflaps on either side of its head. These help distinguish it from true seals, which have only ear openings. A sea lion can also turn its hind flippers underneath its body and support itself on them when moving on land. Its movements on shore therefore look different from a seal's wriggling progress.
In the water, a streamlined body helps it dive in search of fish and squid. Sea lions are mammals and must return to the surface for air. Their nostrils close when they dive, while a layer of blubber helps retain heat in cold water. Flippers also help regulate temperature: changes in blood flow alter how much heat they release.
Sensory whiskers, or vibrissae, respond to water movement. They provide information about nearby swimming animals, even when vision is less useful. A sea lion swallows most soft food whole rather than chewing it thoroughly.
Breeding brings sea lions back to land. A female usually gives birth to one pup and feeds it milk rich in fat. Animals in a colony communicate with loud calls. California sea lions can learn to respond to signals, an ability used by their keepers when working with them.
Gyerekeknek
A sea lion can be recognised by the small ears on the sides of its head. True seals do not have these. It can also bring its hind flippers under its belly to support itself on shore. In the water, its smooth shape helps it swim and dive.
It searches underwater for fish and squid. It has no gills: it breathes air, so it must come up to the surface. Its nostrils close during a dive. A thick layer of fat protects it from the cold, and its flippers help control body temperature.
The long whiskers around its mouth are very sensitive. They detect water movements made by other animals. A mother sea lion gives birth on land and feeds her pup rich milk. In a large colony, the loud voices of adults and pups mingle together.
Kérdés: 1/2
Which feature helps distinguish a sea lion from a true seal?
- Elhelyezkedés
- Enclosure no. 8 on the Zoo Opole map.