Walruses By Ana Pena

General Characteristics ● They have: o Flippers o A broad head o Short muzzle o Small eyes o Tusks o Whiskers ● They are cinnamon brown in color ● They are able to turn their hind flippers forward to aid in movement on land

General Characteristics Cont. ● Their front flippers are large and each has five digits ● Males have special air sacs that are used to make a bell-like sound

Reproduction ● Sexual reproduction ● Males: o Sexually mature at age 8 o Choose not to mate until they are about 15 years of age ● Females: o Sexually mature between 5 and 6 o Generally won’t do so until they are about 10 years of age

Reproduction Cont. ● They make a variety of noises which have a dual purpose: o They convey to other males that wish to mate with a certain female o They are a way to get the attention of a certain female

Feeding- Prey ● Prey: o Molluscs-mainly bivalves such as clams o Worms o Gastropods o Cephalopods o Crustaceans o Sea cucumbers o And sometimes fishes such as polar cod

Relations- Predators ● Killer whales ● Polar bears

Adaptations ● Under its thick skin, it has a layer of blubber. o provides insulation in the freezing water and also protects it from the cold wind as it lies out on the ice. ● The bottom of the flippers are bumpy so it can grip the ice.

Fun Facts ● There are two subspecies of walruses. The Atlantic Walrus and the Pacific Walrus ● They have 450 whiskers ● Their whiskers are very sensitive and are used to help locate food ● They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes ● They are endangered

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