L1 Marine Mammals - Review Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on marine mammals.

What are the defining characteristics of mammals?

Hair (present most of the time); homeothermy; breathe air; internal reproduction; live birth; lactation.

Is there a formal taxonomic group named 'marine mammals'?

No — 'marine mammals' is not a formal nomenclature.

How are marine mammals related within the animal kingdom?

They are a group of species that are distantly related.

What is a key implication of being homeothermic with high metabolic rates for marine mammals?

They can swim fast for long periods and must eat a lot. Can’t be too small.

How do marine mammals manage respiration and oxygen availability?

They breathe air and must surface to breathe; have adaptations for living in low-oxygen waters, including air-filled structures used for acoustics.

What reproductive traits characterize marine mammals?

Internal reproduction, live birth, lactation; generally low reproductive rate.

What are common maternal and paternal care patterns in marine mammals?

Maternal care is common; paternal care is rare; young stay with mother for a long time; kin relationships such as matrilines and culture.

List some similarities between marine mammals and terrestrial mammals.

Long maternal care; complex social systems; some species have large brains; some have advanced cognitive abilities; wide range of habitats; can use echolocation; metabolic rate similar to body mass.

List some differences between marine mammals and terrestrial mammals.

Usually one young at a time; can be very large but not very small; vocalizations are the primary mode of communication; streamlined fusiform body; can hold breath for long periods; diving reflexes; herbivores are uncommon; rarely territorial.

List some differences between marine mammals and other ocean species.

Must surface to breathe; eat a lot; gigantism; K-selected (large, long-lived, few young and well cared for); good mothers, poor fathers; socially and cognitively advanced.

What does K-selected mean in marine mammals?

Large, long-lived, few offspring, well cared for.

What is the typical body shape of marine mammals?

Streamlined fusiform body.

What sensory ability is highlighted in some marine mammals?

Echolocation (used for navigation and communication).

What kinship structures are noted in the notes about marine mammals?

Kin relationships (kin social groups), matrilines, and culture.