Atlantic walrus
A species of Walruses Scientific name : Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus Genus : Walruses
Atlantic walrus, A species of Walruses
Scientific name: Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus
Genus: Walruses
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ansgar Walk , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Atlantic walrus is predominantly a marine mammal renowned for its highly specialized feeding behavior; it makes use of its vibrissae to sift through bottom sediments in search of shellfish. Notably, atlantic walrus also demonstrates remarkable social interactions during the breeding season, which are often punctuated by bouts of intense physical competition among males, integral to its survival and reproduction.
General Info
Lifespan
15-30 years
Diet
Atlantic walrus primarily feeds on benthic invertebrates, focusing chiefly on clams. Diving to the seafloor, it uses its sensitive whiskers to locate prey, then creates a powerful suction to extract the soft parts of its targeted food.
Appearance
Atlantic walrus is a large, marine mammal with a stout body shape. Covered in a thick layer of brown to cinnamon-coloured skin, it also has long, coarse hair typically found on its shoulders and neck. Its most distinctive features are two long, outward-facing tusks. There is a slight sexual dimorphism, with males being larger and sporting longer tusks than females.
Behavior
Atlantic walrus is a social pinniped known for male-dominated hierarchy, showcasing loud bellowing and tusk displays asserting dominance. Mainly aquatic, its terrestrial periods are for reproduction and molting. Males guard harems during breeding, leading to territorial disputes. Atlantic walrus's feeding behavior involves bottom-dredging for benthic invertebrates.
Photo By Ansgar Walk , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Carnivores Family
Walruses Genus
Walruses Species
Atlantic walrus