Chordate Phylum Project Chynna Lee Melanie Reyes Bella Martinez

Sperm whale, Dolphin, Sea Lion

Introduction of the Sperm Whale Where are they found: divided into Northern and Southern hemisphere populations, and can be found in all oceans Habitat: Sperm whales are found in many open oceans, both in tropical and cool waters. Prey: Sperm whales are carnivores that mostly eat giant squid fish, octopus and skate Predator: Aside from sharks, the only other creature that ever eats a whale is the orca, or killer whale, which is the largest member of the dolphin family and not really a whale at all Amount of species:200,000 sperm whales world-wide

Introduction of the Dolphin Where are they found: Dolphins are found all over the world. Some types live in only a small area. Other types can live in many different places Prey: The food that dolphins eat is different for each species ranging from sea mammals to turtles Predator: Bull sharks, tiger sharks, dusky sharks and great white sharks Habitat: harbors, bays, lagoons, gulfs and tributaries Amount of species: 43 species of dolphins

Introduction of the Sea Lion Habitat: found in bodies of water all over the world Predator: Killer whales and sharks Prey: different fish, including anchovies, herring salmon and sardines Where are they found: majority of them live in the sub Arctic areas where it extremely cold Amount of species: seven different species

Nervous System of Marine Mammals: Closely related to endocrine system, both serve to coordinate activity. Most complex nervous system on the planet. The nervous system works with senses to transmit information to the mammals brain.

Skeletal / Muscular Sperm whales and dolphins move their flukes up and down to get around. Sea lions get around by rotating their hind flippers.

Cardiovascular Mammals are warm blooded animals with a closed circulatory system.

Respiratory They have lungs

Reproduction Sexually reproduce Live-birth internal fertilization

Specific adaptations of the Sperm Whale One adaptation that they do have is their highly developed Echolocation, a high-pitched sound is sent out by the whale. The sound bounces off the object and some returns to the whale. The whale interprets this returning echo to determine the object's shape, direction, distance, and texture. Another adaptation that the Sperm Whales have developed is their Brain size. The Sperm Whale has the largest brain of any animal to ever roam the earth. The Sperm Whale's brain is on the average about 20 Lbs and is used quite often. A third adaptation for Sperm whales is that they are the deepest diving whales. Although they live at the surface they dive to hunt giant squid that are bottom dwellers.

Specific adaptations of the sea lion Sea Lions are clever animals which allows them to figure things out Sea Lions have figured out ways to skim among the bottom of the ocean and disturb fish trying to hide To avoid Predators Sea Lions will swim in-between rocks to get away from their larger predators

Specific adaptations of the dolphin Fin shape: a dolphin's tail goes up and down to help it dive up to get air (compared to a fish's back fin which moves side to side). The shape of their fins also helps to propel them through the water. To help dolphins save oxygen while they dive underwater, their heart beats slower during a dive and their blood is diverted from other parts of the body to their heart, lungs, and brain. Dolphins also save oxygen via their muscles, which have a protein called myoglobin, which in turn stores oxygen. Dolphins have blubber, or fat, which provides insulation, helping the dolphin stay warm in cold water.

Environmental issues of the sperm whale Right now between 1,400 and 1,660 sperm whales live year-round in the Gulf of Mexico, making up a distinct population from other Atlantic Ocean groups, in which males make yearly migrations. All sperm whales are considered endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. But the Gulf of Mexico population is thought to be especially vulnerable due to its relatively small size. The whales are now at risk from the ongoing Deepwater Horizon oil spill, because they are likely to ingest or inhale toxic crude and noxious oil fumes.

Environmental issues of the sea lion The fact that humans are also taking control over the waters where they once lived in peace is a huge concern. Even with conservation efforts in place there is still a great deal of work to be done if these animals are going to survive

Environmental issues of the dolphin Pollution has an impact on dolphins; it affects their health, sources of food and ecosystems. Sources of toxins that harm dolphins include sewage, large boats, industrial dumping and polluted runoff water.

3 interesting facts about the sea lion 3 interesting facts about the sea lion The Sea Lion is considered to be a pinniped which means that it features a winged foot. The Stellar Sea Lion is the largest of the 7 species. The average life span in the wild for a Sea Lion is 20 years. In captivity they live an average of 30 years.

3 interesting facts about the dolphin Dolphins live in schools or pods of up to 12 individuals. Dolphins often display a playful attitude which makes them popular in human culture. They can be seen jumping out of the water, riding waves, play fighting and occasionally interacting with humans swimming in the water. Dolphins use a blowhole on top of their heads to breathe.

3 interesting facts about the sperm whale The Sperm whale can hold its breath for about an hour. The name sperm whale comes from the spermaceti organ which is located in its head. The organ produces a white waxy substance that was originally mistaken for sperm by early whalers.