california sea otter kingdom: animalia phylum: chordata class: mammalia
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California Sea Otter
Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: Mammalia
General Characteristics● Can close nostrils and small ears
underwater● Long whiskers to detect vibrations in
murky water● Retractable claws
o Used to help groom, locate and capture prey underwater, and use tools
General Characteristics● Dense fur due to lack of blubber layer
for warmth● Hind feet are webbed and flipper-like
o Help propel through the water along with lower body
● Long, flattened tail used as a ruddero Also aids in propulsion
● Particularly highly sensitive to high-frequency sounds
General Characteristics● Unique teeth for a mammal
o Blunt, used for crushing rather than sharp for tearing
Reproduction● Polygynous- males have multiple
female partners● Female otters can give birth at any
time during the year● Takes 4 months for fetus to fully
developo Delayed implantation (2 months) almost
always occurs
Prey● Must consume 25% of body weight
each day in prey to survive!● A 75 pound sea otter can eat up to
1,500 sea urchins a dayo Or about 25 pounds of seafood
Prey● Sea urchins, Abalone, Crabs, Mussels,
Clams, Marine snails, Marine worms, Sea stars, and Squid
● Eat at least 50 species of benthic invertebrate
Predators● Great white sharks are the main
predators of California Sea Otterso Humans and Killer Whales are also predators
Interesting Facts● Sea Otters hold hands in the water● Newborn pups cannot sink or dive● Sea Otters have built in pockets under
their arms● A group resting together is called a
raft● One of the few animals that use ‘tools’
to eat their food and open shells