Dolphins, whales and more

This section showcases marine mammals, which like their terrestrial counterparts give birth to young ones and nurse them, breathe air, are warm blooded and are the biggest in size in the marine realm. Fun fact: the biggest animal on the planet is the Antarctic blue whale! Although they breathe air, they depend on the oceans for survival as this is where they get their food. Marine mammals are uniquely adapted to the marine environment. They can stay under water for extended periods of time and many species can dive to depths averaging 1,500 - 2,000m - a feat made possible by large lungs and very high levels of haemoglobin present in their blood which binds more oxygen. Common examples of this group include dugongs, whales, dolphins, seals and porpoises, many of which are unfortunately threatened by commercial whaling, entanglement, and pollution.

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