Displaying items by tag: senses

Like their otariid cousins, the special sensory organs in phocids include the eyes, ears, nose, and vibrissae (whiskers). Like all marine mammals, phocids have quite a challenge to overcome because they have to function in air, in water, in bright light, and in low light.

The special sensory organs in cetaceans include the eyes, ears, and echolocation system. Unlike pinnipeds, cetaceans spend all their time in the water so their sensory systems do not need to function as well in air. Indeed, as fully aquatic animals, cetaceans have become superbly adapted to take advantage of the physical properties of water.

The special sensory organs in pinnipeds include the eyes, ears, nose, and vibrissae. Marine mammals, especially pinnipeds, have quite a challenge to overcome because they have to function in air, in water, in bright light, and in low light.