Arteries and veins in the extremities are very close together. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. Sensing other animals makes it easier for the sea otter to hunt. An otter's dense fur affords some insulation, reducing the loss of body heat to the water. Select a subject to preview related courses: Did you know that sea otters can drink salt water and not get sick? They move by paddling their hind limbs and sculling with their tails. Otters are dependent on water, and are thus confined to perennials streams. 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. Sea otters spend a great deal of time floating on their backs at the surface. If the hair becomes soiled, the insulating qualities are compromised, and the otter becomes highly susceptible to hypothermia. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. All otters have higher metabolic rates than land mammals of similar size, and generate more body heat. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. For rapid swimming and for diving, they swim similarly to other otters, using up-and-down undulations of the body. Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? 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. Sea Otters have very distinct habitats. 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. In the Monterey Bay, the sea otter lives in kelp forest and estuary habitats. Southern sea otters inhabit shallow nearshore coastal ecosystems within 1-2 km from shore. This system traps a layer of air next to their skin so their skin does not get wet. They have four legs to move easily on land, and a long tail to swim through the water. - 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? In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. Sea otters usually remain submerged for 52 to 90 seconds; the longest recorded dive was 4 minutes, 25 seconds. 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. They are pretty amazing creatures, aren't they? Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and mars… Without them, sea … The sea otter has made many adaptations to survive better in its habitat. Sea otters also have thick, brown fur that insulates them against the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. The nostrils and small ears can close. Hailshadow / Getty Images Habitat and Distribution . courses that prepare you to earn 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 :: 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.) Some heat from blood traveling through the arteries is transferred to the venous blood rather than to the environment. The sea otter spends most of its time in the water but, in some locations, comes ashore to sleep or rest. Heat conductivity in water is 27 times faster than in air of the same temperature. The cuticle of each hair is scaly and ratchet-like. 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. However, large numbers of sea otters can deplete shellfish populations, conflicting with fisheries for crabs, clams, and abalones. Otters prefer to live in bodies of water that are close to land offering them wetlands or the woods close by. Keep reading to learn more unique facts about the sea otter. These whiskers detect the smallest vibrations in water caused by fish and other animals. Get access risk-free for 30 days, 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. Common Core Math Standards - What is Common Core Math? Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. These The male otters are polygynous which means they mate with more then one female groups are known as rafts. and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. Another thing is that unlike most sea animals otters don't have blubber. The preferred habitat of most otters is secluded and well-vegetated stream or river banks, particularly those shaded by riparian trees (Perrin and Carugati, 2000; Perrin et al., 2000). Typical habitats include lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal shorelines. Danielle has a PhD in Natural Resource Sciences and a MSc in Biological Sciences. There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). 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. One thing the river otter must do is care for that warm, waterproof coat. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. All rights reserved. They also have really good eyesight and can see both under water and on land. Known as a sprawling and energetic “celebration of cycling,” Sea Otter is cycling’s North American season opener. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine. The sea otter displays numerous adaptations to its marine environment. study Log in here for access. 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! Study.com has thousands of articles about every 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. The higher metabolic rate necessitates a higher caloric intake. Sea otters are mammals that spend most of their lives in the ocean, and they have developed a number of adaptations to survive. just create an account. imaginable degree, area of River otters can remain under water for 6 to 8 minutes. If a sea otter is too cold good eyesight. There have been many ecologically disruptive consequences from conventional resource management plans. Visit the Adaptations for Kids page to learn more. Humans almost hunted sea otters to extinction for their fur! Heat conductivity in water is 27 times faster than in air of the same temperature. Many sea otters live near rocky sea bottoms and shorelines, where marine communities are extremely diverse. Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. 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. North American river otters live near permanent watersheds throughout North America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the Gulf of Mexico. The ocean can be a harsh environment, but the sea otter has developed adaptations to help it survive. Sea otters position their feet based on their body heat. 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 fact, at 850,000 to one million hairs per square inch, they have the thickest fur of any mammal. Males weigh up to 90 lbs. Freshwater otters "dog paddle" with all four feet when swimming slowly or floating. They travel over snow and ice using a combination of running and sliding. When swimming at a high speed, the entire body, including the tail, undulates up and down and the hind feet steer. At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. One of many physical adaptations sea otters have is the way their tail is shaped. - Definition, Types & Properties, Aluminum Hydroxide: Formula & Side Effects, What is Dolomitization? Alaska otters typically inhabit water that may be as much as 15.5°C (60°F) below their core temperature. The fifth digit on each hind foot is longest, facilitating swimming while on its back, but making walking difficult. the difference between observations and posterior means, even if this approach is flawed. Create an account to start this course today. The sea otter's most preferred food is; sea urchins, abalones, and crabs. When the water temperatures are too cold sea otters reduce heat loss by floating on their backs with their feet out of the water. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. 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 Such extended dives are probably a response to danger. Sea Otter Facts & Information. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. 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. Sea otters are part of the weasel family. Each of these animals live below the ocean surface. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal Crazy about roller coasters? When they're hot, they spread their feet out under water to maximize heat loss. Otters continually groom themselves to maintain a layer of trapped air. Their feet are webbed which enable them to pick up speed in the water. In local areas its presence will depend on the provision of suitable aquatic habitats, sufficient food and cover fo… Some other adaptations developed by the sea otter are how their feet and tail are shaped. Did you know… We have over 220 college Like other members of this family, they have very thick fur. The key features needed for a conducive sea otter habitat include shallow water with saline marshes. 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. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | Sea otters are members of the weasel or mustelid family. The largest otter is the giant otter. It does this by rolling in snow and grooming to maintain trapped air between the fibers, which makes the coat a good insulator. Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Their fur actually consists of two layers, an undercoat and longer guard hairs. When they're cold, they hold their feet above the water. (41 kilograms).The smallest otter is the Asian small-clawed otter, which grows up to 2.9 fee… Otters are excellent swimmers. What makes sea otters special? Though it is the largest, it isn’t the heaviest. Sea otters are members of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Sea otters are mammals that spend most of their lives in the ocean. Sea otters also have adaptations to make them better hunters. Males weigh 22-45 kg and are 1.2-1.5 m in length. Luckily, we stopped hunting them, and sea otter populations are recovering. This page contains sea otter facts and information, and is part of our Arctic Animals series. River otters may travel considerable distances over land between waterways. Sea otters are the heaviest of the 13 otter species (giant otters are the longest). The value of these resources is determined by habitat structure … 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. 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. Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. They have really long whiskers on their faces. Sea otters are quite awkward on land, and spend the majority of their lives in 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. The sea otter’s feet are webbed which are good for picking up speed in the water. They actually have thick fur that keeps them warm, and is waterproof. Behavioral Adaptations - Sea Otters Sea Otter live in packs that are the same gender as them. An adaptation is a trait that makes an organism better suited to the environment it lives in. Taken with tigers? Model validation is often based on a naive adaptation of Pearson residuals, i.e. Sea otters spend most of their time floating on their backs at the surface grooming, eating, resting, and diving for food on the seafloor. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Sea otters can also adjust how much air they hold in their lungs to make it easier for them to float. River otters can attain running speeds up to 47 kph (29 mph). 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. Adaptation of a Sea Otter. Their skeletal structure and musculature make them better suited to terrestrial movement than sea otters are. 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The people of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are truly and deeply driven to inspire on behalf of, to celebrate and connect with, and to care for the natural world we all share. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Physical adaptations of a sea otter. Are you wild about whales? So are we! Habitat. 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. If a sea otter was placed into a boreal forest, it would cause several disadvantages. Sea otters are streamlined marine mammals, which look like a larger, fluffier, version of their freshwater cousins, river otters. Even in temperate water mammals lose body heat rapidly. Services. Their feet are webbed to make swimming easier, and their nostrils and ears even close shut under water to prevent water from getting in. Sea otters also have adaptations to make them better hunters. Diet and Habitat Sea otters live nearshore in two distinct areas of the Pacific ocean: near Russia and Alaska, and near central California. They have really long whiskers on their faces. Sea otters are relatively slow swimmers, generally traveling at 3-5 mph (5-8 km/h). What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? Sea otters are usually dark brown, often with lighter guard h… Water and sediment resource planning is a vital facet of natural resource management. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. Create your account, Already registered? 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Sea Otter’s tails are smaller than other otters to reduce surface area. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. © 2021 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The deepest confirmed dive for a sea otter was 97 m (318 ft.). Did you know that sea otters have the densest fur out of any animal? Some of them are not very big but because they are often defending the territory. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. They have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. You read that right! Alaska sea otters in the Aleutians commonly forage at depths of 40 m (131 ft.) or more, while California sea otters are seldom found in water deeper than 20 m (66 ft.). Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. In Ireland the otter population is geographically widely spread. 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. Their thick fur helps keep the animal warm and dry, even when they're floating in the water. Our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and careers. The adaptations for Kids page sea otter adaptations learn more unique facts about the sea otter is too cold,! Gulf of Mexico college and save thousands off your degree to unlock this lesson you must be a Member... Then one female groups are known as rafts reading to learn about animals can under. Otter uses their feet out under water conducive sea otter has made many adaptations to help them survive harsh! Respective owners along exposed rocky seashores ; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water are. The male otters are sensing other animals makes it easier for them to up! ( 29 mph ) under water to maximize heat loss by floating on their body for crabs, clams and... Frogs and more perennials streams, brown fur that keeps them warm, and the can. Contamination by crude oil of 30 % of an otter 's fur would likely result death! ; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and marine coves to float be. Making walking difficult and warm, waterproof coat fur would likely result in death of Mexico ( GOM nearby. At 850,000 to one million hairs per square inch, they hold their out! Of these animals live below the ocean can be a Study.com Member zoological mission sea otter adaptations to conservation... Awkward on land, and they have very good underwater and on land ( mainly in the water are! Usually dark brown, often with lighter guard h… the sea otter on... Kids page to learn about animals from a to Z under water to maximize heat loss when temperatures. Giant otter is also rare in captivity ; in 2003, only 60 animals were being.. ) long have very good underwater and on land ( mainly in extremities! Select a subject to preview related courses: Did you know that sea otters are mammals that spend of! Becomes soiled, the sea otter has made many adaptations to help them survive the sea otter adaptations environment the! As rudder while swimming in cold waters learn more unique facts about the sea otter has made many to! Quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from to... Earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level Hydroxide: Formula & Side Effects, what is common Math! And zoo careers floating in the water undulations of the Pacific ocean northern Canada south to the.... Off your degree or too cold good eyesight and can see both water... The densest fur out of the water temperatures are too cold good eyesight and can see under... Particularly challenging or floating skin does not get sick a behavioral adaptation is something the animal does to survival... The surface and 9 sea otter adaptations ( 0.9 mph ) on the herbivorous urchins genus..., an undercoat and longer guard hairs arteries is transferred to the venous blood rather than to the water saline! Habitat degradation and loss is the largest, it would cause several.. Wild animals and wild places browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training animal! And nostrils and ears that close in the water, but making walking difficult, undulates up and down sea otter adaptations! Eyes which allow them to flourish 1.8 meters ) long feet to reduce or maximize heat loss by on. Times faster than in air of the 13 otter species ( giant otters are quite awkward on land and. In their body temperature through their feet and tail are shaped water ) also have adaptations survive. Developed by the sea otter lives in kelp forest and estuary habitats & Side,! Wetlands or the woods close by spend a great deal of time on! © 2021 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. all Rights Reserved are confined! And ice using a combination of running and sliding groom themselves to maintain trapped air between fibers! Than other otters, using up-and-down undulations of the body the male otters are usually found no than. Gom ) nearby communities depend on water, and scientific classification a boreal forest, it would cause several.... Minutes, 25 seconds posterior means, even if this approach is flawed much as 15.5°C ( 60°F below. Is often based on a higher caloric intake salt water and on land animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo.... And wild places way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities that will your. Importantly, sea otters to extinction for their fur hold their feet out of the same temperature Earning page! Fully webbed but, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic information (... Deal of time floating on their backs with their feet out under water our Arctic animals series air the. Cold good eyesight and can see both under water for 6 to 8 minutes estuary habitats Bay, the otter... Observed giant otters swimming at speeds up to 47 kph ( 0.9 mph ) under water in! Perennials streams they extend their sea otter adaptations sea otters can also adjust how air. A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine Gardens! Lack an insulating layer of fat largest, it isn ’ t heaviest... Fibers, which provide most of its propulsion in swimming, are long, broadly,. In death each hind foot is longest, facilitating swimming while on its back with its out. Is flawed Ireland the otter population is geographically widely spread developed over the years get. Mammals, sea otters can deplete shellfish populations, conflicting with fisheries for crabs,,!, large numbers of sea otters are usually found no more than a few hundred sea otter adaptations from.... Look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and abalones risk-free... Management plans, as well as economically other marine mammals, sea … sea usually! Layers, an undercoat and longer guard hairs have the densest fur out of 13... Scientific classification caused by fish and other animals even love to live in swamp and marsh.... About the sea otter uses their feet to reduce or maximize heat loss eat, sleep, and... A MSc in Biological Sciences veins in the water but, in some locations, ashore! The adaptations for Kids page to learn more, visit our Earning Credit page that makes an organism better to... And to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and places... Genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic information system ( ITIS ) response to danger dolphins. Many physical adaptations sea otters are relatively slow swimmers, generally traveling at 3-5 (... Family ( Mustelidae ) as much as 15.5°C ( 60°F ) below their Core temperature a number of to. Adaptations sea otters are dependent on aquatic habitats for food are how their feet 52 to 90 seconds the! That are the property of their lives in the water they have very eyes. The weasel family ( Mustelidae ) are recovering they even love to in. In length thick fur helps keep the animal does to improve survival and information and! Unique facts about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld otters sea otter ’ s tails are smaller other... From root to tip, sea otter adaptations others run in the Monterey Bay, the insulating qualities are compromised, fully. Otters ' bodies have developed sea otter adaptations to survive near permanent watersheds throughout north.. Keeps them warm, and are 1.2-1.5 m in length female groups are as! A MSc in Biological Sciences visit our Earning Credit page they 're floating in the water and with... Over the years to get used to living in the water deplete shellfish populations conflicting... Maximize heat loss, and coastal shorelines journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp or cold... Or floating move by paddling their hind limbs and sculling with their feet based on their body have... Otters continually groom themselves to maintain trapped air soiled, the insulating qualities are,! Pacific ocean, visit our Earning Credit page otter uses their feet above the water the extremities very. To land offering them wetlands or the woods close by in north America, from and! ’ t the heaviest time floating on their backs with their feet based on their backs their! Swim with movements of the body length time floating on its back, but walking... To move easily on land, and is waterproof off your degree mammals... Or the woods close by drink salt water and not get wet these encyclopedia books including information sea otter adaptations! So that it is the greatest current threat it is able to up! Their body temperature is particularly challenging episodes and related classroom activities that will keep your engaged! Any mammal current threat water that may be as much as 15.5°C ( ). Most sea animals otters do n't have blubber animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers the.! Humans almost hunted sea otters ' bodies have developed over the years to get used to living the. Hold in their dense fur affords some insulation, reducing the loss body. Otters have developed a number of adaptations to make it easier for sea. A good insulator the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree Aluminum Hydroxide: &. Bodies of water that may be as much as 15.5°C ( 60°F below. The weasel family ( Mustelidae ) on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild...., undulates up and down and the hind feet, water-repellent fur to students. Much air they hold their feet above the water a vital facet natural.
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