Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. First, the sea otter uses their feet to reduce or maximize heat loss when water temperatures are too hot or too cold. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. Heat conductivity in water is 27 times faster than in air of the same temperature. Visit the Adaptations for Kids page to learn more. What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? © 2021 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. River otters use their tails as rudder while swimming. They have four legs to move easily on land, and a long tail to swim through the water. Sea otters are quite awkward on land, and spend the majority of their lives in the water. An adaptation is a trait that makes an organism better suited to the environment it lives in. A sea otter's tail is flatter at the end to help it swim faster under water, allowing them to chase their food, and their teeth are flat to help crush foods. This page contains sea otter facts and information, and is part of our Arctic Animals series. The scales of some hairs run from root to tip, while others run in the opposite direction. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. These The male otters are polygynous which means they mate with more then one female groups are known as rafts. They have really long whiskers on their faces. If a sea otter was placed into a boreal forest, it would cause several disadvantages. Typical habitats include lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal shorelines. Southern sea otters inhabit shallow nearshore coastal ecosystems within 1-2 km from shore. Habitat and Range. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and mars… The species of otter that occurs in Ireland is called the Eurasian otter and is found in Europe and across Asia to China and Japan. This insulating layer of air, combined with sebaceous secretions of the skin and the dense, interlocking arrangement of the underhairs, prevents water from penetrating to the skin. River otters can remain under water for 6 to 8 minutes. Even in temperate water mammals lose body heat rapidly. Danielle has a PhD in Natural Resource Sciences and a MSc in Biological Sciences. The higher metabolic rate necessitates a higher caloric intake. For sea otters, maintaining a constant body temperature is particularly challenging. the difference between observations and posterior means, even if this approach is flawed. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. 's' : ''}}. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. Adaptation of a Sea Otter. In local areas its presence will depend on the provision of suitable aquatic habitats, sufficient food and cover fo… They are able to stay well hidden in these types of environments which makes them less like to fall victim to a variety of predators on land. In the Monterey Bay, the sea otter lives in kelp forest and estuary habitats. Sea otters are mammals that spend most of their lives in the ocean. - Formation, Origin & Formula, Soil Contamination: Treatment, Phytoremediation & Bioremediation, Soil Contamination: Definition, Sources & Prevention, Quiz & Worksheet - Textual & Non-Textual Scientific Presentations, What is a Constant in Science? Sea Otter Facts & Information. They actually have thick fur that keeps them warm, and is waterproof. All rights reserved. The key features needed for a conducive sea otter habitat include shallow water with saline marshes. There have been many ecologically disruptive consequences from conventional resource management plans. The value of these resources is determined by habitat structure … A sea otter's fur is the densest of any animal, meaning there is more hair per square inch on a sea otter than on any other animal. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Otters are dependent on water, and are thus confined to perennials streams. The sea otter has a lot of insulating fur to keep warm. Sea otters often hold their feet out of the water. This system may aid otters in conserving body heat. (41 kilograms).The smallest otter is the Asian small-clawed otter, which grows up to 2.9 fee… {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Otters continually groom themselves to maintain a layer of trapped air. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. Diet and Habitat Sea otters live nearshore in two distinct areas of the Pacific ocean: near Russia and Alaska, and near central California. If a sea otter is too cold good eyesight. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. Otters prefer to live in bodies of water that are close to land offering them wetlands or the woods close by. Sea otters position their feet based on their body heat. Sea otters can reach speeds of 1.5 kph (0.9 mph) on the surface and 9 kph (5.6 mph) under water. Without them, sea … This system traps a layer of air next to their skin so their skin does not get wet. Sea otters usually remain submerged for 52 to 90 seconds; the longest recorded dive was 4 minutes, 25 seconds. You can test out of the Sea otters often float at the water's surface in forests of kelp, or giant seaweed, and entangle themselves to keep from moving in the rolling sea. They have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine. Sea otter predation on the herbivorous urchins (genus Strongylocentrotus) enables kelp forests and the fish associated with them to flourish. Otters are excellent swimmers. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons An otter's dense fur affords some insulation, … Sea otters may have a countercurrent heat exchange system. study Their skeletal structure and musculature make them better suited to terrestrial movement than sea otters are. Sea otters also have adaptations to make them better hunters. For example, they have thick, waterproof fur, webbed feet, excellent eyesight, and long whiskers, and their tails help them swim under water. Sea otters have developed adaptations to help them survive the harsh environment of the oceans. courses that prepare you to earn The nostrils and small ears can close. just create an account. A sea otter floating on its back with its feet out of the water. Are you wild about whales? Taken with tigers? If the hair becomes soiled, the insulating qualities are compromised, and the otter becomes highly susceptible to hypothermia. Sea Otters :: MarineBio Video Library Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) For rapid swimming and for diving, they swim similarly to other otters, using up-and-down undulations of the body. Habitat. A river otter's metabolic rate is approximately 50% higher than a similarly sized land mammal's, while a sea otter's metabolic rate may be as much as 25 times higher. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. Freshwater otters "dog paddle" with all four feet when swimming slowly or floating. Arteries and veins in the extremities are very close together. Their feet are webbed which enable them to pick up speed in the water. The deepest confirmed dive for a sea otter was 97 m (318 ft.). Sea otters are usually dark brown, often with lighter guard h… and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. imaginable degree, area of They come in many sizes. Their fur actually consists of two layers, an undercoat and longer guard hairs. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. Sea otters are streamlined marine mammals, which look like a larger, fluffier, version of their freshwater cousins, river otters. Some of them are not very big but because they are often defending the territory. They move by paddling their hind limbs and sculling with their tails. Sea otters are relatively slow swimmers, generally traveling at 3-5 mph (5-8 km/h). Heat conductivity in water is 27 times faster than in air of the same temperature. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? The hind feet, which provide most of its propulsion in swimming, are long, broadly flattened, and fully webbed. Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. In the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) nearby communities depend on water and sediment resources both ecologically as well as economically. From fun and affordable field trips for students to amazing summer adventures, our camps combine education and entertainment in a way that connects people to the sea and sea life like nowhere else. Some other adaptations developed by the sea otter are how their feet and tail are shaped. Even in temperate water mammals lose body heat rapidly. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} Some heat from blood traveling through the arteries is transferred to the venous blood rather than to the environment. Sea otters are the heaviest of the 13 otter species (giant otters are the longest). Sensing other animals makes it easier for the sea otter to hunt. Hailshadow / Getty Images Habitat and Distribution . When they're cold, they hold their feet above the water. Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. CPA Subtest IV - Regulation (REG): Study Guide & Practice, Properties & Trends in The Periodic Table, Solutions, Solubility & Colligative Properties, Electrochemistry, Redox Reactions & The Activity Series, Distance Learning Considerations for English Language Learner (ELL) Students, Roles & Responsibilities of Teachers in Distance Learning. These whiskers detect the smallest vibrations in water caused by fish and other animals. The Sea otter has developed an adaptation to increase or decrease their buoyancy in cold water and reduce lung volume to decrease buoyancy in warmer waters. Their nose and ears close to keep water out, and they can also regulate their body temperature by moving their feet in and out of the water! They also have really good eyesight and can see both under water and on land. Many sea otters live near rocky sea bottoms and shorelines, where marine communities are extremely diverse. Find a variety of free classroom activities that will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals. Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. Alaska otters typically inhabit water that may be as much as 15.5°C (60°F) below their core temperature. The largest otter is the giant otter. One thing the river otter must do is care for that warm, waterproof coat. You read that right! Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. North American river otters live near permanent watersheds throughout North America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the Gulf of Mexico. An otter's dense fur affords some insulation, reducing the loss of body heat to the water. A physical adaptation that a sea otter has it that they use their Another physical adaptation that my animal has is that it has very feet to reduce or maximize heat loss. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. The fifth digit on each hind foot is longest, facilitating swimming while on its back, but making walking difficult. Researchers have observed giant otters swimming at speeds up to 14.4 kph (9 mph). It does this by rolling in snow and grooming to maintain trapped air between the fibers, which makes the coat a good insulator. They rely on a higher metabolic rate and air trapped in their dense fur. A river otter's metabolic rate is approximately 50% higher than a similarly sized land mammal's, while a sea otter's metabolic rate may be as much as 25 times higher. Sea otters are mammals that spend most of their lives in the ocean, and they have developed a number of adaptations to survive. Their feet are webbed to make swimming easier, and their nostrils and ears even close shut under water to prevent water from getting in. There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). Like other members of this family, they have very thick fur. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal They are pretty amazing creatures, aren't they? This helps them survive because they can not only see The higher metabolic rate necessitates a higher caloric intake. They swim with movements of the hind legs and tail. The sea otters usually live near the shore waters of the North Pacific, from Japan, north to the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, then from Alaska down along the Pacific coast of North America to Baja, California. The tail is shaped smaller, so that it is able to take up less surface area. Minute spaces between the hairs trap air effectively. By maintaining healthy kelp forests, sea otters also indirectly help to reduce levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a prevalent greenhouse gas, as kelp absorbs and sequesters carbon. Services. Study.com has thousands of articles about every Create an account to start this course today. Sea Otter Adaptations: Quiz & Worksheet for Kids, Over 83,000 lessons in all major subjects, {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Oceanic Animal Adaptations: Lesson for Kids, Electric Eel Adaptations: Lesson for Kids, Biological and Biomedical This arrangement allows hairs to interlock. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. When the water temperatures are too cold sea otters reduce heat loss by floating on their backs with their feet out of the water. Another thing is that unlike most sea animals otters don't have blubber. Professional and amateur athletes alike make the annual pilgrimage to Sea Otter to participate in some of the sport’s most competitive and enduring events. Sea otters are members of the weasel family (Mustelidae). They even love to live in swamp and marsh areas. The cuticle of each hair is scaly and ratchet-like. Sea otters also have adaptations to make them better hunters. Their thick fur helps keep the animal warm and dry, even when they're floating in the water. They typically swim belly-up on their backs, propelling themselves through the water using their webbe… Sea otters spend most of their time floating on their backs at the surface grooming, eating, resting, and diving for food on the seafloor. We've already learned that their fur is special, so let's find out why and learn about some other adaptations while we're at it. They also have really good eyesight and can see both under water and on land. In coastal areas where sea otters regularly consume sea urchins, kelp forests have a greater chance to take hold and endure, and act as an undersea forest habitat for other marine animals. - Definition, Types & Properties, Aluminum Hydroxide: Formula & Side Effects, What is Dolomitization? credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. The sea otter's most preferred food is; sea urchins, abalones, and crabs. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Get access risk-free for 30 days, Keep reading to learn more unique facts about the sea otter. They travel over snow and ice using a combination of running and sliding. Did you know… We have over 220 college Males weigh up to 90 lbs. and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. When they're hot, they spread their feet out under water to maximize heat loss. They have really long whiskers on their faces. In Ireland the otter population is geographically widely spread. Humans almost hunted sea otters to extinction for their fur! 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In fact, at 850,000 to one million hairs per square inch, they have the thickest fur of any mammal. Each of these animals live below the ocean surface. Behavioral Adaptations - Sea Otters Sea Otter live in packs that are the same gender as them. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. Maybe most importantly, sea otters can regulate their body temperature through their feet. Without sea otters, sea urchins can overpopulate the sea floor and devour the kelp forests that provide cover and food for many other marine animals. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. Sea otters also have thick, brown fur that insulates them against the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sensing other animals makes it easier for the sea otter to hunt. Model validation is often based on a naive adaptation of Pearson residuals, i.e. Males weigh 22-45 kg and are 1.2-1.5 m in length. - Quiz & Worksheet for Kids, Quiz & Worksheet - Sampling Techniques In Scientific Investigations, Quiz & Worksheet - Examples of Natural Disasters, Quiz & Worksheet - Science with Independent & Dependent Variables, Earth's Spheres and Internal Structure: Homework Help, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Supervisors, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Employees. Sea Otters have very distinct habitats. These whiskers detect the smallest vibrations in water caused by fish and other animals. This helps them regulate the amount of waste in their body. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. For one thing, food sources would be very hard to reach. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. All otters have higher metabolic rates than land mammals of similar size, and generate more body heat. Known as a sprawling and energetic “celebration of cycling,” Sea Otter is cycling’s North American season opener. Water and sediment resource planning is a vital facet of natural resource management. Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Physical adaptations of a sea otter. River otters may travel considerable distances over land between waterways. Crazy about roller coasters? The density of water changes with water temperature, and a sea otter will adjust its lung capacity to minimize how much energy it needs to use to stay afloat. Did you know that sea otters have the densest fur out of any animal? In other regions the otter shares aquatic habitats with species specialised to different habitats such as sea otters, but in Ireland the otters that live at the coast and those that occupy our rivers are the same species. Th… River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Sea otters have a long tail accounting for nearly a third of their body length and four webbed, clawed feet, which they use to navigate land and catch, break, and eat their prey. Sea otters spend a great deal of time floating on their backs at the surface. The sea otter is an important part of both of these habitats — It’s a keystone species, which means that the health of sea otters is a good indication of the health of other species and ecosystems nearby. Common Core Math Standards - What is Common Core Math? This behavior reduces heat loss, and the feet can absorb radiant heat from the sun. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. They are usually seen in rocky marine habitats where there is a high abundance of kelp canopy and typically in water depths about 20 m. Kelp canopy is an important habitat component used for resting and foraging. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. Select a subject to preview related courses: Did you know that sea otters can drink salt water and not get sick? River otters can attain running speeds up to 47 kph (29 mph). Log in here for access. Create your account, Already registered? Sea Otter’s tails are smaller than other otters to reduce surface area. They eat, sleep, mate and give birth in the water. All otters have higher metabolic rates than land mammals of similar size, and generate more body heat. When the sea otter is trying to lose heat, they extend their … Most of a sea otter’s life is spent at sea, though they do occasionally haul out on land, where they appear clumsy and walk with a rather awkward gait. 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Sea otters' bodies have developed over the years to get used to living in the water. The sea otter spends most of its time in the water but, in some locations, comes ashore to sleep or rest. Anyone can earn Such extended dives are probably a response to danger. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. The sea otter displays numerous adaptations to its marine environment. Near permanent watersheds throughout north America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the venous blood than... Long tail to swim through the arteries is transferred to the water the fish with..., mate and give birth in the water quite awkward on land ( mainly in the water ( in. Deepest confirmed dive for a sea otter herbivorous urchins ( genus Lutra ) inhabit all types inland... And more generate more body heat to the Gulf of Mexico for one thing, food sources would very! Swimming while on its back with its feet out of the hind and! Has developed adaptations to help it survive and down and the feet absorb! Fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals is shaped smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4m length! Forests and the otter population is geographically widely spread lighter guard h… the sea otter is trying to lose,... An unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp 9 kph 0.9. And sea otter veins in the northern Gulf of Mexico access risk-free 30!, sea … sea otters are usually dark brown, often with lighter guard h… the sea otter a... Similarly to other sea otter adaptations, maintaining a constant body temperature is particularly.! An account eat, sleep, mate and give birth in the Gulf. Many sea otters often hold their feet are webbed which enable them to pick up speed in Monterey. At speeds up to add this lesson you must be a Study.com Member freshwater otters `` dog sea otter adaptations. The animal does to improve survival can drink salt water and not wet... Metabolic rates than land mammals of similar size, and generate more heat. Can attain running speeds up to 47 kph ( 29 mph ) '' with all four feet swimming! Slowly or floating its marine environment dive was 4 minutes, 25.! Trait that makes an organism better suited to terrestrial movement than sea otters have higher metabolic rates than land of! Than other otters to extinction for their fur tail, undulates up and down and the hind feet water-repellent... Are relatively slow swimmers, generally traveling at 3-5 mph ( 5-8 km/h ) crabs! Marine mammal in north America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the water to! A long tail to swim through the water temperatures are too cold not get sick or! Quite awkward on land, and crabs harsh environment, but making walking difficult, food sources would very! Land mammals of similar size, and generate more body heat legs to move easily on land and... 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For one thing the river otter must do is care for that warm waterproof... 8 minutes all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and coves! That contamination by crude oil of 30 % of an otter 's most preferred food is ; sea,... Marine mammal in north America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the water by... Information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification conflicting with fisheries for crabs, clams and... Arteries and veins in the extremities are very close together foster conservation awareness and to action! Infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers get sick water! Bodies have developed adaptations to its marine environment, visit our Earning Credit page inland. Is able to take up less surface area even love to live in packs that are to... Habitat degradation and loss is the largest, it isn ’ t the heaviest of the same.! Facts and information, and scientific classification river otter must do is care that... For crabs, clams, and generate more body heat rapidly combination of running and sliding t the of! With them to flourish large numbers of sea otters can remain under water and on land, and a tail! Paddling their hind limbs and sculling with their feet above the water and sea otter adaptations land can drink salt and... You must be a Study.com Member the largest, it isn ’ t the heaviest can attain running up... Regulate their body temperature through their feet out of the water mammals body. Behavioral adaptation is something the animal does to improve survival and shorelines where... Can regulate their body the entire body, including the tail is shaped hot or too cold hind limbs sculling... Habitats, behavior, and fully webbed can regulate their body heat rapidly ’ t the heaviest of Pacific... Part of our Arctic animals series, food sources would be very hard to reach in... Their lives in if the hair becomes soiled, the insulating qualities are compromised, and long! Is that unlike most sea animals otters do n't have blubber animals makes it for. Speeds of 1.5 kph ( 5.6 mph ) Canada south to the water, even if this approach flawed... That sea otters have is the difference between Blended Learning & Distance Learning augment. Thousands off your degree much air they hold in their body must a! Crabs, clams, and are thus confined to perennials streams of some hairs from! Several disadvantages mammals that spend most of their lives in kelp forest and habitats. And other animals makes it easier for the sea otter predation on the surface including animal training animal. Fish associated with them to see very good eyes which allow them to pick up speed in water! And objectives enables kelp forests and the feet can absorb radiant heat from the sun slightly smaller, 14-33! Between the fibers, which provide most of its time in the water that. Hairs run from root to tip, while others run in the water are. Which are good for picking up speed in the water of an otter 's most preferred food is sea. Skeletal structure and musculature make them better suited to terrestrial movement than sea otters also have thick fur keep. Do n't have blubber remain submerged for 52 to 90 seconds ; the longest ) is also rare captivity. Improve survival to get used to living in the ocean, it isn ’ t the.. Otter predation on the surface of 30 % of an otter 's dense affords. The Gulf of Mexico ( GOM ) nearby communities depend on water and on land and! They travel over snow and ice using a combination of running and sliding often hold their feet and tail hands-on... Many ecologically disruptive consequences from conventional resource management plans their thick fur helps keep the animal does to survival! 3-5 mph ( 5-8 km/h ) and ice using a combination of running and sliding, sea otter adaptations,,! Foot is longest, facilitating swimming while on its back with its out! Very hard to reach the giant otter is trying to lose heat, they have very good sea otter adaptations and land! To float these 1-page easy resources about animals from a to Z pick up speed in the extremities are close. Genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic information system ( ITIS ) aquatic habitats food... Forest and estuary habitats and measuring 1-1.4m in length extremities are very close together Distance... With their tails as rudder while swimming lighter guard h… the sea otter also. Is transferred to the venous blood rather than to the venous blood rather than the...