Walrus

Definition

The walrus is a large marine mammal known for its distinctive tusks, whiskers, and bulk. These animals are primarily found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, where they inhabit ice-covered waters and coastal areas. Walruses are social creatures, often seen in large groups, and they play an important role in the polar marine ecosystems as both predators and prey.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Walruses can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and can reach lengths of up to 11 feet, making them one of the largest pinnipeds.
2. Their tusks, which are elongated canine teeth, are used for dominance displays, social interactions, and to help haul themselves out of the water onto ice or land.
3. Walruses primarily feed on benthic organisms such as clams, mollusks, and other invertebrates found on the ocean floor.
4. They are known to migrate seasonally between different feeding grounds as sea ice conditions change throughout the year.
5. Walrus populations are affected by climate change, as melting sea ice impacts their habitat and availability of food sources.

Review Questions

• How do walruses contribute to the polar marine ecosystem as both predators and prey?
  • Walruses play a dual role in the polar marine ecosystem by serving as both predators and prey. As predators, they primarily feed on benthic organisms like clams, helping control their populations and maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Conversely, walruses themselves are prey for larger predators such as polar bears and orcas, making them an integral part of the food web in their Arctic habitats.
• Analyze how climate change is impacting walrus populations and their role in marine ecosystems.
  • Climate change significantly affects walrus populations by altering their habitat through melting sea ice. As ice diminishes, walruses have fewer resting platforms for hauling out, which can lead to increased stress and lower reproductive success. The loss of ice also affects their feeding grounds by changing the distribution of benthic organisms they rely on for food. This disruption impacts not only walrus populations but also the broader marine ecosystem that depends on a stable balance among species.
• Evaluate the significance of walruses' tusks in their social behavior and survival strategies within polar ecosystems.
  • Walruses' tusks play a crucial role in their social dynamics and survival strategies. They use their tusks for dominance displays during mating season, establishing hierarchy within social groups. Additionally, tusks aid in hauling out onto ice or land, which is essential for resting and avoiding predation. The significance of these adaptations underscores how physical traits can influence social behavior and survival within polar ecosystems, showcasing the interconnection between morphology and ecological roles.

Related terms

pinniped: A group of marine mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses, characterized by their flippers and adaptation to life in the water.

sea ice: Frozen seawater that forms in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, providing critical habitat for walruses and other marine wildlife.

benthic feeding: A feeding strategy used by walruses to forage for clams and other invertebrates on the ocean floor, often using their sensitive whiskers to detect prey.