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Walruses

A flippered marine mammal, Walrus is the only existing species in the family Odobenidae. Walruses are instantly distinguished by their prominent ivory tusks, tough thick blubber and whiskers, and are hunted by people for its skin, meat, tusks and fat.

393 Questions

Do walruses get cold?

Yes, walruses can get cold, but they are well-adapted to their icy environments. They have a thick layer of blubber that provides insulation against frigid temperatures, as well as a thick skin that helps protect them from the cold water. However, prolonged exposure to extreme cold can still pose risks, particularly for younger or injured individuals. Generally, walruses are found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions where they thrive in cold conditions.

What does the blubber on the walrus help them do?

The blubber on a walrus serves several important functions. It provides insulation against the cold waters of the Arctic, helping to regulate their body temperature. Additionally, blubber acts as an energy reserve during times when food is scarce, and it plays a role in buoyancy, aiding their ability to swim and dive effectively.

Why do walrus spit out their food and put it back in their mouth?

Walruses often spit out their food to better position it for easier consumption. This behavior allows them to separate the edible parts from inedible ones, like shells or other debris. Additionally, it may help them savor their food, as they can taste it before fully consuming it. This feeding strategy is part of their adaptation to a diet primarily consisting of benthic invertebrates.

What is the blubber on walruses for?

Blubber on walruses serves several essential functions, primarily providing insulation against the cold Arctic waters where they live. This thick layer of fat helps maintain their body temperature in frigid environments. Additionally, blubber acts as an energy reserve, allowing walruses to sustain themselves during periods of food scarcity or when they are fasting, such as during breeding seasons.

What special adaptations do these walruses have that allow them to float on top of the water and sleep?

Walruses have large, buoyant bodies and a thick layer of blubber that provides insulation and helps them float on the surface of the water. Their muscular flippers allow for efficient movement while swimming and can also be positioned to support their weight when resting. Additionally, walruses can sleep while floating by using their tusks to anchor themselves to ice or other surfaces, allowing them to relax without fully submerging.

Is a walrus negatively buoyant?

Yes, walruses are generally considered negatively buoyant. Their bodies are denser than water, which means they tend to sink rather than float. However, they can use their large blubber reserves and the air in their lungs to help control their buoyancy while swimming. This allows them to dive and rest on the ocean floor effectively.

Did Jacques cartier discover the walrus?

No, Jacques Cartier did not discover the walrus. The walrus was known to Indigenous peoples long before Cartier's expeditions in the 16th century. Cartier is best known for his exploration of Canada and the St. Lawrence River, rather than for discovering specific animal species.

What is the average weight and size of a walrus?

Walruses typically weigh between 1,500 to 2,200 pounds (680 to 1,000 kilograms) and can reach lengths of 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.6 meters). Males are generally larger than females, with some males exceeding 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilograms). Their large bodies are supported by thick blubber, which helps insulate them in cold Arctic waters.

What were walrus skin used for in the time of the viking?

During the Viking Age, walrus skin was highly valued for its durability and versatility. It was primarily used to make waterproof clothing, boots, and bags, which were essential for survival in the harsh northern climates. Additionally, walrus hide was used to create strong ropes and lines for ships, further aiding in their maritime activities. The skin's toughness made it an important resource for various everyday items and tools.

How much is walrus ivory an ounce?

The price of walrus ivory can vary significantly depending on factors such as quality, size, and market demand. As of recent years, it can range from $25 to $100 per ounce, but prices can fluctuate. It's important to note that the trade of walrus ivory is regulated under various international laws, which can also impact availability and pricing. Always check current regulations and market conditions if considering a purchase.

What does a walruses food chain look like?

A walrus primarily occupies the role of a consumer in its food chain, mainly feeding on benthic invertebrates such as clams, mollusks, and crustaceans. It is a part of the marine ecosystem, where it serves as a predator to these organisms. In turn, walruses are preyed upon by larger marine animals such as orcas and polar bears. Thus, the walrus is an important link in the Arctic food web, connecting primary producers like phytoplankton and zooplankton to top predators.

Which animal would never hit the walruses if walpole was there?

The phrase seems to be a playful riddle rather than a straightforward question. If we interpret it, one possible answer could be "a gentle animal," such as a rabbit, as it would likely avoid conflict and harm towards the walruses in a peaceful setting. The mention of "Walpole" might suggest a historical or literary reference, but without further context, the emphasis remains on the idea of peaceable coexistence.

How are walrus long tusks an adaptation?

Walrus tusks are a significant adaptation that serve multiple purposes, including defense against predators, competition among males for mates, and aiding in hauling themselves out of icy waters onto land or ice. These elongated canines also help walruses to break through ice and can be used to help secure their position while resting. Additionally, tusks play a role in social interactions within their groups, enhancing communication and hierarchy among individuals. Overall, these adaptations are crucial for their survival in harsh Arctic environments.

How many bones are in a walrus?

A walrus has approximately 200 bones in its body. This number can vary slightly due to individual differences and the presence of additional small bones, such as sesamoids. The walrus's skeletal structure is adapted for its aquatic lifestyle, with flippers that aid in swimming.

Why do walruses have one of the biggest testicals in all mammals?

Walruses have some of the largest testicles among mammals to enhance reproductive success in their competitive breeding environment. Larger testicles produce more sperm, increasing the chances of successful fertilization during mating, especially when males compete for access to females. Additionally, the size may be a response to sperm competition, where multiple males mate with the same female, making it advantageous to produce a greater quantity of sperm. This adaptation helps ensure that a male walrus can effectively propagate his genes in a challenging social structure.

What do tusks help a walrus with?

Tusks help walruses in several ways, primarily for defense and social interactions. They use their long tusks to assert dominance during fights and establish social hierarchy within groups. Additionally, tusks assist walruses in hauling themselves out of the water onto ice or land, as well as aiding in foraging for food on the ocean floor.

How much water does a walrus drink?

Walruses do not drink water in the traditional sense, as they primarily obtain their hydration from the food they consume, such as ice, seals, and other marine organisms. They can get enough moisture from their diet, which means they rarely need to drink fresh water. Instead, they may occasionally ingest seawater while feeding, but they rely more on their food for hydration.

Are walruses strong?

Yes, walruses are strong animals, particularly due to their large size and robust bodies. Adult males can weigh between 1,500 to 2,200 pounds and possess powerful tusks that can be used for defense and to help haul themselves out of the water onto ice. Their strong foreflippers enable them to swim efficiently and navigate their icy habitats. Overall, their physical strength is well-adapted to their environment and lifestyle.

Who is roger the walrus?

Roger the Walrus is a well-known marine mammal residing at the Sea Life Scarborough aquarium in the UK. He gained popularity for his playful personality and interactions with visitors, often engaging in activities like swimming and diving for fish. Roger became an internet sensation through various social media posts showcasing his antics, endearing him to animal lovers around the world. His charm highlights the importance of marine conservation and awareness.

What are walrus relatives?

Walrus relatives belong to the pinniped group, which includes seals and sea lions. They are part of the family Odobenidae, with the walrus being the only living species, while their closest relatives include the extinct genera like Odobenus and other ancient pinnipeds. Additionally, walruses share a common ancestry with creatures like bearded seals and elephant seals, all of which are adapted to life in marine environments.

What is the length of the longest walrus tusk recorded?

The longest walrus tusk recorded measured approximately 3.5 feet (over 1 meter) in length. Tusks can vary significantly among individuals, with males typically having longer tusks than females. These tusks are elongated canine teeth that serve various purposes, including helping walruses haul themselves out of the water and establishing dominance during mating displays.

How many females do walruses have in a hare m?

Walruses typically do not form lasting pair bonds, and males may mate with multiple females during the breeding season. A male walrus can mate with several females, but there is no specific number of females that a male will consistently mate with in a hare (a group of walruses). The dynamics can vary based on factors such as competition among males and the availability of females. Generally, males are known to be quite promiscuous during the breeding season.

What was it about their surroundings that upset the Walrus and the Carpenter?

The Walrus and the Carpenter were upset by the surroundings because they were surrounded by a beautiful, serene beach, yet they were confronted by the sad sight of the oysters, who were naive and unsuspecting. The contrast between the idyllic setting and the predatory behavior of the Walrus and the Carpenter creates a sense of dissonance, highlighting themes of manipulation and betrayal. Their actions disrupt the peacefulness of the environment, emphasizing the darker undertones of their seemingly jovial demeanor.

What hemisphere does a walrus live in?

Walruses primarily inhabit the Arctic region, which is predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere. They are commonly found in areas such as the Bering Sea, the Chukchi Sea, and around the coasts of northern Canada and Russia. While they may occasionally venture into more southern waters, their primary range is within the Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.

What ocean can a walrus be found in?

Walruses are primarily found in the Arctic Ocean and its subarctic regions. They inhabit areas with sea ice, which they rely on for resting, breeding, and giving birth. In addition to the Arctic Ocean, walruses can also be seen in the northern parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.