Definition

Noun A mammal that lives primarily or entirely in water. This group includes mammals whose life cycle is predominantly aquatic, though they may come to land for specific activities like breeding. They are characterized by adaptations for swimming, such as streamlined bodies, flippers, and often a layer of blubber for insulation.

Usage

The term "aquatic mammal" is a scientific and biological classification used to describe mammals that have evolved to live in marine or freshwater environments. It is used in zoology, ecology, and conservation contexts.

Examples

• Whales and dolphins are well-known examples of aquatic mammals.
• The manatee is a gentle aquatic mammal found in coastal waters and rivers.
• Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting endangered aquatic mammals like the vaquita.
• The study focused on the communication methods of various aquatic mammals.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to "terrestrial mammal" (land-dwelling) or "semi-aquatic mammal" (spending significant time both in water and on land, like beavers or otters).
• In legal and environmental documents, "aquatic mammal" can define a protected class of species under specific regulations.

Variants and Related Words

• Marine mammal: A more specific term for aquatic mammals that live in ocean or sea environments. (e.g., "The organization researches marine mammal health.")
• Cetacean: (n.) A formal order of aquatic mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Pinniped: (n.) A formal suborder of aquatic mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses.
• Sirenian: (n.) A formal order of aquatic mammals that includes manatees and dugongs.

Synonyms

• Water-dwelling mammal
• Marine mammal (when referring specifically to saltwater species)

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Aquatic mammal rehabilitation: The process of caring for and restoring sick or injured aquatic mammals to health for release back into the wild.
• Aquatic mammal stranding: An event where an aquatic mammal becomes beached or stuck in shallow water, often requiring human intervention.

Noun

1. whales and dolphins; manatees and dugongs; walruses; seals