Marine Mammals Classifications Whales Dolphins and Porpoises Order

Marine Mammals Classifications

§ Whales Dolphins and Porpoises- Order Cetacea § Cetaceans are further broken down into: – Suborder Mysticeti (Beard Bearing)-Baleen Whales – Suborder Odonticeti (Tooth Bearing)-Sperm whales and Dolphins

Cetaceans Continued § Baleen Whale such as, Gray, Blue, Fin, minke and Humpback’s are Rorqual Whales. They have pleats under the mouth that aid in feeding (Baleen). § Mysticeti: 2 blow holes § Odonticeti: 1 blow hole § The Killer Whale is the largest member of the Dolphin Family.

Cetaceans Anatomy baleen Mellon § Sperm Whale has a large spermaceti organ that is also called the Mellon § Baleen whales such as the Humpback only have baleen on the top jaw.

Rorqual pleats of a Fin whale

Polar Bears, Sea Otters, Manatees (Order Carnivora) § Polar Bears- Family Ursus (Bear Family). Scientific Name is Ursus Maritimus (Sea Bear) § Sea Otter- Family Mustilidae (Weasel Family) § Manatee- Order Sirenia (Named for the Sirens of Greek Mythology because sailors believed them to be Mermaids)

Order Pinnipedia (Feather-Foot) § Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses § Differences between Seals and Sea Lions: Seal Sea Lion Ears No External Ears Propelling fins Posterior Anterior Neck Short Long Land Movement Caterpillar Rotate Hips and Walk Nails on Flippers Yes No

Pinnipeds Continued § The Walrus is the largest Pinnipedia Species § Southern California has two species of Pinnipeds: California Sea Lion, Harbor Seal § The Leopard Seal is the “Polar Bear” of the Antarctic