Manatee Facts and Characteristics

The video explores the fascinating world of manatees, also known as sea cows. Despite their appearance, manatees are closely related to elephants and hyraxes. They have unique adaptations like polyphyodonty, allowing them to replace worn teeth continuously. Manatees are herbivores, consuming large amounts of vegetation to sustain their massive bodies. They have a low metabolism and little body fat, making them sensitive to cold. Manatees use their tactile hair and whiskers to navigate and forage in murky waters. The video concludes with a call to support SciShow on Patreon.

What are manatees sometimes mistakenly thought to be related to?

• Turtles and tortoises

• Dolphins and whales

• Sharks and rays

• Seals and walruses

Which animals are the closest living relatives of manatees?

• Elephants and hyraxes

• Penguins and puffins

• Dolphins and porpoises

• Seals and walruses

What is the primary diet of manatees?

• Plankton and algae

• Insects and small mammals

• Fish and crustaceans

• Seagrass and vegetation

What unique dental feature do manatees possess?

• Constantly growing incisors

• Polyphyodonty with marching molars

• Sharp canines for tearing

• Flat molars for grinding

Why are manatees sensitive to cold water?

• They are warm-blooded

• They have thick blubber

• They lack body fat

• They have a high metabolism

Where do manatees often gather during colder months?

• On sandy beaches

• In open seas

• Near power plants

• Deep ocean waters

What is a unique feature of manatee hair?

• It is long and flowing

• It is thick and tactile

• It is colorful and vibrant

• It is sparse and brittle

How do manatees use their facial whiskers?

• To attract mates

• To communicate with each other

• To grasp and manipulate food

• To detect predators

What is the function of the prehensile upper lips of manatees?

• To produce sound

• To breathe underwater

• To manipulate food

• To swim faster

What is the main reason manatees are often found near humans?

• They seek warmer waters

• They are curious about human activities

• They enjoy human company

• They are attracted to boat engines