Life as a Sea Cow

Manatees, related to elephants and hiraxes, have unique adaptations for survival. They are herbivores with a diet that wears down their teeth, but they can grow new ones. Manatees have low metabolism and little body fat, making them sensitive to cold. They use tactile hairs for navigation and have prehensile lips for foraging.

Which animals are the closest living relatives to manatees?

• Sharks and rays

• Dolphins and whales

• Elephants and hiraxes

• Seals and walruses

What is the primary diet of manatees?

• Insects and crustaceans

• Plankton and algae

• Seagrass and aquatic vegetation

• Fish and small aquatic animals

What unique feature do manatees have that helps them replace worn-out teeth?

• Regenerative gums

• Marching molars

• Constantly growing incisors

• Rotating canines

Why are manatees particularly sensitive to cold water?

• They are cold-blooded

• They have a high metabolism

• They lack sufficient body fat

• They have thin skin

How do manatees use their tactile hairs?

• To regulate body temperature

• To communicate with other manatees

• To sense objects and navigate

• To attract mates