What are facts about a dugong?

Answer 1

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is the only living species of the family Dugongidae (following the 18th century extinction of Steller's Sea Cow) and together with the three species of manatee forms the aquatic mammalian order Sirenia. While all sirenians are herbivores, manatees use fresh water freely, making the dugong the only strictly-marine herbivorous mammal. It is the only sirenian in its range, which spans the shallow waters of at least 37 countries and territories in the Indo-Pacific; however, the majority of dugongs live in the northern waters of Australia between Shark Bay and Moreton Bay. Its historic range is believed to correspond to that of certain seagrasses, which the dugong is specialized towards. Like all sirenians, the dugong has a fusiform body with paddle-like forelimbs and no dorsal fin or hindlimbs. It is easily distinguished from the manatees by its fluked, dolphin-like tail, but also possesses a unique skull and teeth. The dugong grows two incisors (tusks) which are largest in males, and unlike the manatees, its teeth do not continually grow back via horizontal tooth replacement. The IUCN lists the dugong as a species vulnerable to extinction. The primary causes for population declines are anthropogenic, and include hunting, habitat degradation, and fishing-related fatalities. With its long lifespan and slow rate of reproduction, the dugong is especially vulnerable to these types of exploitation. In addition, dugongs are threatened by storms, parasites, and their natural predators, sharks, Killer Whales, and crocodiles. The name dugong originated from the Malay language duyung meaning lady of the sea or mermaid.

Answer 2

It is a sea mammal found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is a strange looking creature, not really like a fish or whale. It has no scales or fins, but swims using two flippers at the front. It has no rear limbs, but does have a tail, similar to kinds of dolphins.

Answer 3

A dugong is usually found in or around coral reefs

Answer 4

A Dugong is the head of a dog, the tail of a deer, the body of a horse and the legs of a cow. Hoped this helped! lol

Answer 5

1. they like lettuce

2. they can give birth to only one young a year

3. they were first discovered by a hunter when he found a group of them in the southern ocean

Answer 6

The dugong is indeed an animal. More precisely, it is a marine mammal.

Answer 7

The dugong is a medium-sized marine mammal, of the order Sirenia.

Answer 8

mammal