Marine mammalian carnivore endemic to the North Pacific coastal ecosystems, known for its exceptional marine adaptation and keystone ecological role in kelp forest preservation.
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal marine environments of North Pacific regions, including Alaska, California, Russian Far East, and Aleutian Islands, with primary range in rocky shorelines, kelp forests, and nearshore waters
Ecological Role
Critical apex predator in kelp forest ecosystems, regulating sea urchin populations and maintaining marine biodiversity through trophic interactions
Morphology
- SKIN COAT Exceptionally dense fur with 150,000 hair follicles per cm², providing thermal insulation in cold marine environments
- LIMBS WINGS Broad, flipper-like hind limbs for swimming, dexterous forelimbs for tool manipulation and feeding
- HEAD SENSORY Large rounded head, prominent whiskers, acute underwater vision, highly developed tactile sensory system in paws
- BODY STRUCTURE Robust, streamlined marine mammal with dense fur, body length 1.0-1.5 m, mass 22-45 kg, adapted for aquatic locomotion
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
ADSENSE VERTICAL
