Aquatic and semiaquatic mammals possess specialized hair types, such as the hydrodynamic vibrissae of manatees and seals, and the dense, insulating pelage of sea otters.
Evidence for · 3
Microanatomy of Facial Vibrissae in the Florida Manatee: The Basis for Specialized Sensory Function and Oripulation
2001 · cited by 66
Manatees possess specialized facial vibrissae and perioral bristles adapted for tactile exploration, feeding, and potentially hydrodynamic reception.
See more details
More for · 2
Spatial arrangement of the whiskers of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) compared with whisker arrangements of house mice (Mus musculus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus).
2024 · cited by 3
Harbor seals exhibit specialized facial whiskers (vibrissae) with unique geometric arrangements compared to terrestrial mammals for underwater sensing.
Effects of ontogeny and oiling on the thermal function of southern sea otter (<i>Enhydra lutris nereis</i>) fur.
2023 · cited by 2
Sea otters rely on a specialized, dense, air-trapping pelage that differs morphologically between natal and adult stages to provide thermal insulation in water.