Walrus

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Walrus

Walrus (pronunciation: /ˈwɔːlrəs/; etymology: from Dutch, walrus) is a large flippered marine mammal with a discontinuous distribution about the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas of the Northern Hemisphere.

Anatomy

The walrus is easily recognized by its prominent tusks, whiskers, and bulkiness. Adult males in the Pacific can weigh more than 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) and, among pinnipeds, are exceeded in size only by the two species of elephant seals.

Diet

Walruses are predominantly benthic feeders, diving to the ocean floor to forage for food, which their sensitive whiskers help them locate. They eat a variety of benthic invertebrates, with a diet consisting mainly of mollusks, although they also eat worms, octopuses, squid, crustaceans, and fish.

Behavior

Walruses live in herds and are known for their distinctive vocalizations, or "songs". They are also known for their ability to "walk" on all fours, thanks to their strong flippers.

Conservation

The walrus has been classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but climate change and hunting pose threats to the species.

See also

External links

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