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Abstract
Sirenians, including the manatees and dugongs, are large herbivorous mammals that have evolved to an aquatic form since the Eocene epoch. Sirenians have unique adaptations, including dense bone for ballast and a longitudinal hemidiaphragm separating paired lungs (which aid in maintaining a horizontal posture in the water column), species-specific rostral deflection, and unique dentition for specialized feeding, which all contribute to their success. All sirenians produce one calf per breeding cycle and have long calf-dependency periods. Low reproduction rates are common for long-lived, large mammals, but may compromise their existence in today’s quickly changing world today. All sirenian populations are listed as either threatened or endangered, and some local stocks have been completely extirpated by human activities.
| Publication type | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Title | Sirenian life history |
| DOI | 10.1016/B978-0-12-804327-1.00230-2 |
| Year Published | 2018 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Academic Press |
| Contributing office(s) | Wetland and Aquatic Research Center |
| Description | 3 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Title | Encyclopedia of marine mammals |
| First page | 859 |
| Last page | 861 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |