Which group includes manatees and dugongs?

Study for the IB Marine Science Standard Level Exam. Prepare with interactive quizzes and in-depth explanations. Use our resources to excel in your marine science knowledge!

Multiple Choice

Which group includes manatees and dugongs?

Explanation:
Manatees and dugongs are a group of aquatic mammals called Sirenia, the sea cows. They are herbivorous, live in shallow coastal waters, and feed mainly on seagrasses, which sets them apart as a distinct mammalian order. This makes Sirenia the best fit because the other groups—Polychaeta (segmented worms), Porifera (sponges), and Reptilia (reptiles)—do not include aquatic, herbivorous mammals. Polychaetes are worms, sponges are simple filter feeders with no tissues, and reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates with scales. Sirenia are mammals, so they share traits like breathing air and nursing their young, supporting why this is the correct classification.

Manatees and dugongs are a group of aquatic mammals called Sirenia, the sea cows. They are herbivorous, live in shallow coastal waters, and feed mainly on seagrasses, which sets them apart as a distinct mammalian order. This makes Sirenia the best fit because the other groups—Polychaeta (segmented worms), Porifera (sponges), and Reptilia (reptiles)—do not include aquatic, herbivorous mammals. Polychaetes are worms, sponges are simple filter feeders with no tissues, and reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates with scales. Sirenia are mammals, so they share traits like breathing air and nursing their young, supporting why this is the correct classification.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy