Anatomy
How many sets of molars do manatees have?
4 sets of 6-8 marching molars
How fast can a manatee swim? (in short bursts)
20 mph
What order are manatees classified as?
Sirenians
Can manatees be right flippered or left flippered? (like dominant hand in humans)
No :(
Whats the difference between a manatee tail and a dugong tail?
Dugong's tail is shaped like a mermaid
What does or does not happen when a manatee is sleeping and goes up for air?
They don't actually wake up
How much does a calf weigh?
60-70 pounds
What is something unique about manatee lips?
The upper lips can move independently
What is an animal that annoys manatees and what do they do?
Armored catfish, they try to eat the algae off of the manatee's back which disrupts their resting
What other common animal in freshwater do manatees interact with?
And is it a positive or negative interaction?
Alligators!
The manatees initiate the interaction by following the alligator and the alligator tries to avoid them.
What is the closest living relative of the manatee?
Elephant
Manatees are one of the only animals that do what with their teeth?
Bonus: What are their molars called (relate to this process)
They replace/regrow their teeth their whole life
Marching molars- conyevor belt system, once the front ones get worn down they fall out
How long can a manatee's intestines get?
150ft long
How can you determine how old a manatee is?
By counting the annual growth rings in their ear bone
Technically yes
they have a higher gray matter to white matter ratio than any other mammal (including humans) and since gray matter is the area of the brain where thinking occurs they could be very smart
What is the largest recorded manatee weight and length?
3,500 pounds and 13 ft long
What color changes to manatees go through from birth -> within a month after birth --> adult
Birth: gray-black
Within a month after birth: gray
Adult: gray to brownish-gray
What percent of air do manatees change in their lungs with each breath?
Bonus: What percent do humans change?
90%
Humans: 10%