Research conducted by the Sonoma Science Museum in conjunction with the Rightfield County Aquarium

Prior education needed for understanding our research

An Overview A marine mammal is a mammal that is well adapted to living in a marine environment. There are two major groups, each containing further separation: Cetaceans Mysticeti Odontoceti Pinnipeds Phocidae Otaridae Odobenidae

Comparing the Groups Cetaceans Pinnipeds Consists of whales, dolphins, and porpoises Characterized by streamlined bodies that glide easily Consists of seals, sea lions, and walruses Characterized by large fin- like flippers

What we focused on

An Overview The Sonoma Science Museum teamed up with the Rightfield County Aquarium to conduct a study on various marine mammals housed at the aquarium Dr. Alexander Forry (SSM) and Sean Hamm (RCA) were heading the team of researchers Much of the study focused on comparing the different orders and the species variations within them

Beluga Whale Bottlenose Dolphin

Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) Belugas are the only cetaceans that are able to move their head up, down, and side to side They lack a dorsal fin and do not produce a visible “blow” when breathing at the surface

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) They use high frequency echolocation to locate and capture prey This species is very long-lived, with a lifespan of years for males and more than 50 years for females

Comparing Physical Characteristics One of the main ideas our researchers focused on were the physical differences between different species of cetaceans. Here you will see the differences in length.

California Sea Lion Northern Fur Seal

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) Very social and form groups of several hundred when onshore They are the most recognized pinniped because they are frequently found doing tricks in zoos and aquariums

Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus) They have the longest flippers in the Orariidae family; their hind flippers can measure up to 1/4 of the total body length Northern fur seals have very dense coats, for which they are named

Comparing Physical Characteristics This chart notes the differences in weight between the California Sea Lion and the Northern Fur Seal.