Blubber and Marine Mammal Adaptations

The video, led by Molly, explores the adaptations of African penguins and other marine mammals. It highlights how penguins use feathers and preening for insulation, while marine mammals like sea otters rely on dense fur. The video contrasts blubber and fur, explaining blubber's advantages in deep-sea diving and energy storage. An interactive activity demonstrates blubber's insulating properties by creating a blubber mitt. The session concludes with a summary of the benefits of blubber and fur in marine environments.

Where do African penguins primarily live?

• Antarctica

• The coast of Africa

• The Arctic

• South America

What is one adaptation African penguins have to stay warm?

• Layered feathers

• Long beaks

• Thick fur

• Scales

Why do some marine mammals prefer blubber over fur?

• Fur is not waterproof

• Blubber compresses less under pressure

• Fur is more expensive

• Blubber is lighter

What is the main benefit of blubber for pregnant marine mammals?

• It changes their body color

• It makes them more buoyant

• It allows them to store energy and reduce hunting

• It helps them swim faster

How do sea otters keep warm without blubber?

• By eating more food

• By migrating to warmer waters

• By having dense fur

• By huddling together

What is unique about sea otters' fur?

• It is the densest among marine mammals

• It is waterproof

• It changes color with seasons

• It is very oily

What is the purpose of the blubber mitt activity?

• To create a fashion accessory

• To demonstrate the insulating properties of blubber

• To test the strength of ziplock bags

• To measure the temperature of ice water

What materials are needed to make a blubber mitt?

• Rubber bands and sand

• Wool and glue

• Ziplock bags, duct tape, and shortening

• Plastic wrap and water

How can you test the effectiveness of the blubber mitt?

• By wearing it in the sun

• By placing it in a freezer

• By submerging it in ice water

• By using it to hold hot objects

What additional tool can be used to measure the insulation of the blubber mitt?

• A scale

• A stopwatch

• A thermometer

• A ruler