Aquatic mammals

Content generated from the OpenLearn Unit Aquatic mammals.

Contents:

Session 00

• 1 The origins of aquatic mammals
  • 1.1 Introduction to aquatic mammals
  • 1.2 The origins of aquatic mammals
  • 1.3 The pinnipeds, sirenians and cetaceans
  • 1.4 Moving to the water
• 2 Living in the water
  • 2.1 Land versus water
  • 2.2 Breathing air
  • 2.3 Moving about
  • 2.4 Staying warm …
  • 2.5 … and getting larger
  • 2.6 Senses and communication …
  • 2.7 … and becoming more intelligent
• 3 The ‘diving response’
  • 3.1 Features of the diving response
  • 3.2 Natural dives
• 4 The evolution of whales
  • 4.1 The rate of evolution
  • 4.2 Intermediate forms
• 5 Human impact
• Conclusion
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