Research conducted by the Sonoma Science Museum in conjunction with the Rightfield County Aquarium.
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Transcript of Research conducted by the Sonoma Science Museum in conjunction with the Rightfield County Aquarium.
Marine Mammal StudyResearch conducted by the Sonoma Science Museum
in conjunction with the Rightfield County Aquarium
Marine MammalsPrior education needed for understanding our research
An OverviewA marine mammal is a
mammal that is well adapted to living in a marine environment.
There are two major groups, each containing further separation:Cetaceans
Mysticeti Odontoceti
Pinnipeds Phocidae Otaridae Odobenidae
Comparing the GroupsCetaceans PinnipedsConsists of whales,
dolphins, and porpoisesCharacterized by
streamlined bodies that glide easily
Consists of seals, sea lions, and walruses
Characterized by large fin-like flippers
SSM Biological ResearchWhat we focused on
An OverviewThe Sonoma Science Museum teamed up with the
Rightfield County Aquarium to conduct a study on various marine mammals housed at the aquarium
Dr. Alexander Forry (SSM) and Sean Hamm (RCA) were heading the team of researchers
Much of the study focused on comparing the different orders and the species variations within them
Comparing CetaceansBeluga WhaleBottlenose Dolphin
Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
Belugas are the only cetaceans that are able to move their head up, down, and side to side
They lack a dorsal fin and do not produce a visible “blow” when breathing at the surface
Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
They use high frequency echolocation to locate and capture prey
This species is very long-lived, with a lifespan of 40-45 years for males and more than 50 years for females
Comparing Physical Characteristics
One of the main ideas our researchers focused on were the physical differences between different species of cetaceans.
Here you will see the differences in length.
Comparing PinnipedsCalifornia Sea LionNorthern Fur Seal
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
Very social and form groups of several hundred when onshore
They are the most recognized pinniped because they are frequently found doing tricks in zoos and aquariums
Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus)
They have the longest flippers in the Orariidae family; their hind flippers can measure up to 1/4 of the total body length
Northern fur seals have very dense coats, for which they are named
Comparing Physical Characteristics
This chart notes the differences in weight between the California Sea Lion and the Northern Fur Seal.