Mammal Marine Biologists 101

There are several aspects of marine biology. Some of these tend to be very boring and take several trials and repetitions before you can come up with a definite conclusion or results. If you, however, study mammals instead, you may realize that research tends to become more interesting and easier, since these animals react very quickly. You will have more data to gather and observe, thereby providing you the opportunity to enhance your skills.

The 3 Orders

Marine mammals are generally grouped into 3 orders. The order Cetacea includes dolphins, whales and porpoises. The order Pinnipedia involves walruses, seals and sea lions. The order Sirenia includes dugongs and manatees.

The whole lifecycle of the order Cetacea is aquatic. There are a couple of sub-orders founded on the feeding mechanism, namely Odonticeti and Mysticeti. The order Pinnipedia involves part of their lifecycle being terrestrial. The word Pinnipedia means “feather-footed” since the animals possess 4 webbed fins. These can be found in all oceans, but most reside at high latitudes, traveling usually in herds and carrying out very long migrations. The order Sirenia usually spends their whole lifecycle in the water. These are the only aquatic animals that eat plants mainly.

The Suborders of Cetacea

The sub-order Mysticeti includes baleen whales and blue whales. These animals use baleens or brush-like triangular continuously renewing plates that hang from the roof of the mouth, with 480 plates on each jaw side. The plates filter zooplankton, squid and small fish, with the tongue moving the food into the throat.

Right whales are skim feeders, grey whales feed via a suction mechanism on animals living on the bottom of the ocean and minke whales feed by gulping and lunging. Different whales use various approaches to eat successfully. The sub-order odonticeti includes mammals that have their first teeth remain until they die. These grasp and swallow whole prey. A good example is the killer whale.

About the Pinnipeds

Pinnipeds have a low SA/V ratio and develop insulation via their hair and blubber. Fur seals can have so many hair belonging to either underfur fibers and guard hairs. These all moult, especially during the summer after breeding period, while others just remain out of the water until complete. Pinnipeds exhale before deep dives and have high myoglobin and hemoglobin concentrations. These animals feed usually on fish and squid. The walrus will use their tusks to dig for animals living on the bottom.

The Sirenia

Sirenians are distributed widely but are usually caught for their hides, meat and oil. They are particularly prone because they are placid and slow moving. Danger comes mainly from powerboats at present and their loss of habitat. These animals are very social but now prefer to go in family groups or alone.

Dugongs are usually found in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Manatees can be found in Atlantic coastal waters. Sireneans inhale before they dive into the water, just like whales. These can dive for 10 to 20 minutes. Bristles can detect food to help themselves tide over the lean months.

Technorati Tags : these whales order animals

Image taken on 2010-04-05 06:23:56 by Scott Smith (SRisonS).

Possibly related posts:

• Related posts on Discovery
• Discovery Of Immune System Proteins Brings HIV Vaccine Hope For …
• Truckie made grim torso discovery: court « paintings of tiger

• Related posts on Launch
• Review Revue: Vomit Launch ‒ Exiled Sandwich
• Nissan and GM Launch their Electric Cars; LEAF to Cost Almost $10K …

Image taken on 2008-07-04 21:52:48 by TrevinC.

Possibly related posts:

• Related posts on Independant
• AU$22.56 : I just asked you a question about my cat Elliot. I …
• Gardenscapes | Cochinshop.com

• Related posts on Needle
• American Pool Tables Uk | Snooker and Pool Tables
• Making Area Rugs From Recycled Jeans : Braided Jeans Rug: Making …

Marine Biology: The Related Professions

If you study marine biology in university, you have to understand that there are several other professions that you can be eligible for. You can pursue further studies to become a professor and be assigned to the particular job that you are really interested in. You have to review the different features of the job before applying. This way, you minimize the time exploring and focus more on the aspects that can both fuel your passion and earning capacity.

The Research Coordinator

The managerial positions can land you a salary of about $75,000 to $100,000 each year, higher positions in institutional management can even reach up to $150,000 each year. As a research coordinator, you will need to create a sound expedition plan. You will also go on ships and submersibles. The work includes gathering of data and samples. The job can mean collecting invertebrates then getting extracts back at the laboratory. The extract will be checked and observed as well. Different chemicals found in the extract will be tested on different human diseases to know if there are any changes that can potentially treat.

The job requires a doctorate degree because of the high level of administrative and managerial work. You do not need to have the doctorate degree if you want to do lab work. You can also land a teaching job instead. Some courses will help you prepare better for the profession such as chemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Being an Oceanographer

An oceanographer earns anywhere between $100,000 and $150,000 each year. Being a full professor can help you land teaching jobs and get a bigger salary. You will typically work about 60 hours each week. The job description entails creating new graduate programs in oceanography. You have to work with groups of graduate students and continue research in different oceans and seas to boost the telepresence program. You will be tasked to watch, study and gather data from creatures, habitats, sea vents and ecosystems.

Studying Mammals

Marine biologists will have to study different organisms, depending on their location and personal preference. If you become a marine mammal biologist, you have to earn a bachelor’s degree at the very least. However, most people in the position have a master’s or doctorate degree. Salary ranges anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000. The hours per week will depend on the project and deadlines. On the average, you have to work about 8 to 10 hours per day. Some of the work entails studying the ecology of marine mammals. You have to observe the behavior and interactions of seals, whales, sea otters and dolphins.

Study the Habitat

You have to study their environment as well at different phases of their lives. You will spend several months per year writing proposals and papers. You also have to learn how to apply for grants to fund your many researches. You will spend some time on a boat or submersible too, catching, tagging, viewing and counting marine mammals. You may discover some of the rarest species and inform others how to better protect them.

Technorati Tags : different marine study degree

Image taken on 2006-12-30 11:57:56 by TopTechWriter.US.

Possibly related posts:

• Related posts on approaches
• SEO Approaches For Regional Businesses | Nationalism
• National Health Service Corps Application Deadline Approaches …